@misc{9225967,
  abstract     = {{This thesis, along with the Propagation Predictor written in MATLAB, offers a
quick and easy way of predicting how Electromagnetic (EM)-waves will propagate
given the current atmospheric situation. While the thesis is written with the goal
of explaining choice and phenomena, the Propagation Predictor is built with the
goal of not requiring deep knowledge of neither EM-waves nor meteorology.
Meteorological data is used to predict tropospheric propagation of EM-waves
in the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum. Theory for EM-waves, meteorology and
atmospheric refractivity is presented, as well as the mathematics required for the
simulation.
The simulation is done using a wide angle approximation Split Step Parabolic
Equation (SSPE). Polarization is ignored and the treatment of reflections is simplified.
Attenuation from air, precipitation, and condensation is calculated from
the same data as the propagation.
The MATLAB program written (the Propagation Predictor) demonstrates a
feasible approach for how meteorological data can be used in predicting the propagation
of RF based sensor systems. While the SSPE is an established approach,
previous works suggest that the vertical fidelity of meteorological data is too low
for accurately recreating the atmospheric layers. In addition to this, reflections,
especially for rough terrain, risk being to simplified for accuracy. Comparison to
a similar model shows deviations, indicating that the simulation is not entirely
accurate.}},
  author       = {{Nilsson, Erik}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Predicting atmospheric propagation of radio frequency waves using meteorological data and the split-step parabolic equation}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}