User Manual
for Microwave Networks
Atoll 3.3.2 User Manual for Microwave Networks Release: AT332_UMM_E0 (October 2016) © Copyright 1997-2016 Forsk. All Rights Reserved. Published by:
Forsk
7 rue des Briquetiers 31700 Blagnac, France Tel: +33 562 747 210 Fax: +33 562 747 211
The software described in this document is provided under a licence agreement. The software may only be used or copied under the terms and conditions of the licence agree-ment. No part of the contents of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.
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Third party services that are not part of Atoll are governed by the terms and conditions of their respective providers, which are subject to change without notice.
The publisher has taken care in the preparation of this document, but makes no expressed or implied warranty of any kind and assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of the use of the information contained herein.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents . . . .3
Atoll 3.3.2 User Manual . . . .11
About Atoll . . . 11
About Forsk . . . 11
Getting Help . . . 11
Printing Help Topics . . . 11
About Atoll Documentation . . . 12
Contacting Technical Support . . . 12
. . . 12
1
Working Environment . . . .15
1.1 Documents . . . 15
1.1.1 Standalone Documents . . . 15
1.1.1.1 Available Templates . . . 16
1.1.1.2 Creating a Standalone Document . . . 16
1.1.2 Documents Connected to a Database . . . 16
1.1.2.1 Atoll Multi-User Environment . . . 17
1.1.2.2 Creating a Document from a Database. . . 18
1.1.2.3 Checking the Database Connection. . . 18
1.1.2.4 Refreshing a Document from the Database . . . 18
1.1.2.5 Archiving the Modifications in the Database . . . 19
1.1.3 Configuring Document Properties . . . 21
1.1.3.1 Projection and Display Coordinate Systems . . . 22
1.1.3.2 Setting a Coordinate System . . . 22
1.1.3.3 Selecting the Degree Display Format . . . 23
1.1.3.4 Setting Measurement Units . . . 23
1.1.3.5 Defining a Project Description . . . 23
1.1.4 Saving Documents . . . 24
1.1.4.1 Saving a Copy of a Document . . . 24
1.1.4.2 Creating and Sharing Portable Atoll Documents . . . 24
1.1.4.3 Configuring Automatic Backup . . . 25
1.1.5 Opening Documents . . . 26
1.2 Atoll Work Area . . . 26
1.2.1 Document Window . . . 27
1.2.2 Explorers . . . 27
1.2.3 Tool Windows. . . 28
1.2.4 Organising the Atoll Work Area . . . 28
1.2.4.1 Grouping Tabs in the Document Window . . . 28
1.2.4.2 Displaying Explorers and Tool Windows . . . 29
1.2.4.3 Moving Explorers and Tool Windows . . . 29
1.2.4.4 Automatically Hiding Explorers and Tool Windows . . . 29
1.2.4.5 Using the Status Bar to Get Information. . . 30
1.2.4.6 Resetting the Default Layout . . . 30
1.3 Objects . . . 30
1.3.1 Renaming an Object. . . 30
1.3.2 Deleting an Object . . . 31
1.3.3 Modifying the Visibility of Objects . . . 31
1.3.3.1 Displaying or Hiding Objects on the Map . . . 31
1.3.3.2 Changing the Order of Layers . . . 31
1.3.4 Accessing Object Properties . . . 32
1.3.5 Setting the Display Properties of Objects. . . 32
1.3.5.1 Setting the Display Type . . . 33
1.3.5.2 Setting the Transparency of Objects and Object Types. . . 34
1.3.5.4 Associating a Label to an Object . . . .34
1.3.5.5 Associating a Tip Text to an Object . . . .35
1.3.5.6 Adding an Object Type to the Legend . . . .35
1.3.5.7 Changing the Symbol Style . . . .36
1.3.5.8 Examples of Using the Display Properties of Objects. . . .36
1.3.6 Modifying Microwave Link Extremities and Sites on the Map . . . .38
1.3.6.1 Marking Overlapping Backhaul Links on the Map . . . .38
1.3.6.2 Showing the Direction of Backhaul Links. . . .38
1.3.6.3 Selecting One out of Several Links . . . .39
1.3.6.4 Moving a Site Using the Mouse . . . .39
1.3.6.5 Moving a Site to a Higher Location . . . .39
1.3.6.6 Changing the Azimuth of the Antenna Using the Mouse. . . .39
1.3.6.7 Changing the Antenna Position Relative to the Site Using the Mouse . . . .40
1.3.6.8 Selecting Another Site for the Link Extremity Using the Mouse . . . .40
1.3.7 Exporting Network Elements to Vector Files . . . .41
1.4 Maps . . . .41
1.4.1 Configuring the Layout of the Map Window . . . .42
1.4.1.1 Displaying the Map Scale . . . .42
1.4.1.2 Displaying Rulers Around the Map. . . .42
1.4.1.3 Displaying the Map Legend . . . .42
1.4.1.4 Using Full Screen Mode. . . .42
1.4.2 Moving the Map in the Document Window. . . .42
1.4.3 Changing the Map Scale . . . .43
1.4.3.1 Zooming In and Out. . . .43
1.4.3.2 Choosing a Scale . . . .43
1.4.3.3 Changing Between Previous Zoom Levels . . . .43
1.4.3.4 Adjusting the Map Window to a Selection . . . .43
1.4.4 Using the Panoramic Window . . . .44
1.4.5 Opening a New Map Window . . . .44
1.4.6 Centring the Map Window on a Selection . . . .44
1.4.7 Favourite Map Views . . . .44
1.4.8 Searching for Objects on the Map. . . .45
1.4.8.1 Searching for a Map Object by Its Name . . . .45
1.4.8.2 Searching for a Map Object using Any Text Property. . . .46
1.4.8.3 Searching for a Point on the Map by its Coordinates . . . .46
1.4.8.4 Searching for a Point on the Map by its Full or Partial Postal Address . . . .47
1.4.9 Measuring Distances on the Map . . . .47
1.4.10 Using Zones in the Map Window. . . .48
1.4.10.1 Filtering Zone . . . .48
1.4.10.2 Computation Zone. . . .49
1.4.10.3 Focus Zone . . . .50
1.4.10.4 Printing Zone . . . .50
1.4.10.5 Geographic Export Zone . . . .50
1.4.10.6 Creating Zones . . . .50
1.4.10.7 Editing Zones . . . .51
1.4.11 Vector Objects. . . .53
1.4.11.1 Adding a Vector Layer . . . .54
1.4.11.2 Creating Polygons, Lines, and Points . . . .54
1.4.11.3 Editing Points . . . .55
1.4.11.4 Editing Polygon Contours and Lines. . . .55
1.4.11.5 Creating Complex Polygons . . . .55
1.4.12 Map Window Pointers . . . .56
1.5 Data Tables . . . .57
1.5.1 Opening a Data Table . . . .58
1.5.2 Adding, Deleting, and Editing Data Table Fields. . . .58
1.5.2.1 Accessing Table Fields . . . .58
1.5.2.2 Adding a Field to a Data Table . . . .59
1.5.2.3 Deleting a Field from a Data Table. . . .60
1.5.3 Accessing Record Properties . . . .60
1.5.4 Defining the Table Format . . . .61
1.5.4.1 Setting Column Background Colours . . . .61
1.5.4.2 Changing Table Cell Format . . . .61
1.5.4.3 Changing Column Widths and Row Heights . . . .61
1.5.4.4 Displaying and Hiding Columns . . . .62
1.5.4.6 Moving Columns . . . 63
1.5.5 Editing the Contents of a Table. . . 64
1.5.5.1 Editing Table Entries Directly in the Table . . . 64
1.5.5.2 Copying and Pasting in Tables . . . 65
1.5.5.3 Searching for and Replacing Text Entries in Tables . . . 67
1.5.6 Viewing a Statistical Analysis of Table Contents . . . 68
1.5.7 Exporting Tables to Text Files and Spreadsheets . . . 68
1.5.8 Importing Tables from Text Files . . . 70
1.5.9 Exporting Tables to XML Files . . . 71
1.5.10 Importing Tables from XML Files . . . 71
1.6 Printing in Atoll . . . 72
1.6.1 Printing Data Tables and Reports . . . 72
1.6.2 Printing a Map . . . 72
1.6.2.1 Printing Recommendations . . . 73
1.6.2.2 Defining the Print Layout . . . 73
1.6.3 Previewing Your Printing . . . 75
1.6.4 Printing a Docking Window . . . 76
1.6.5 Printing Antenna Patterns . . . 76
1.7 Grouping, Sorting, and Filtering Data . . . 76
1.7.1 Grouping Data Objects. . . 76
1.7.1.1 Grouping Data Objects by Selection . . . 77
1.7.1.2 Grouping Data Objects by Zone. . . 77
1.7.1.3 Grouping Data Objects by Property . . . 77
1.7.1.4 Customizing the Group By Submenu. . . 78
1.7.1.5 Advanced Grouping of Data Objects . . . 78
1.7.2 Sorting Data . . . 79
1.7.2.1 Sorting Data in Tables. . . 79
1.7.2.2 Advanced Sorting . . . 80
1.7.3 Filtering Data . . . 81
1.7.3.1 Filtering Data Objects by Selection . . . 81
1.7.3.2 Filtering Data Objects by Polygon . . . 81
1.7.3.3 Filtering Data Objects in the Data Table . . . 82
1.7.3.4 Advanced Data Filtering . . . 83
1.7.3.5 Removing Filters . . . 85
1.7.4 User Configurations . . . 85
1.7.4.1 Saving a User Configuration. . . 86
1.7.4.2 Loading a User Configuration. . . 86
1.7.5 Site Lists . . . 86
1.7.5.1 Adding Sites to a List. . . 86
1.7.5.2 Adding Sites to a List from a Zone . . . 87
1.7.5.3 Editing a Site List . . . 87
1.7.5.4 Importing a Site List . . . 87
1.7.5.5 Exporting a Site List. . . 88
1.7.5.6 Filtering on a Site List . . . 88
1.7.5.7 Using the Find on Map Tool to Display Site Lists . . . 88
1.7.6 Folder Configurations . . . 88
1.7.6.1 Creating a Folder Configuration. . . 89
1.7.6.2 Applying a Saved Folder Configuration . . . 89
1.7.6.3 Reapplying the Current Folder Configuration . . . 89
1.7.6.4 Saving a Folder Configuration in an External File . . . 89
1.7.6.5 Loading a Folder Configuration from an External File . . . 89
1.7.6.6 Deleting a Folder Configuration. . . 90
1.7.7 Creating and Comparing Views . . . 90
1.8 Add-ins and Macros. . . 91
1.9 Toolbars and Shortcuts . . . 91
1.9.1 Using Toolbars . . . 91
1.9.2 Using Shortcuts. . . 94
2
Geographic Data . . . .99
2.1 Geographic Data Types . . . 99
2.3 Importing Geo Data Files. . . 101
2.3.1 Importing Raster Format Geo Data Files. . . 101
2.3.2 Importing Vector Format Geo Data Files . . . 102
2.3.3 Importing Traffic Maps. . . 103
2.3.4 Importing MSI Planet® Data. . . 103
2.3.4.1 Importing a Single MSI Planet® Data Type . . . 103
2.3.4.2 Importing a MSI Planet® Database . . . 104
2.3.5 Importing a WMS Raster-format Geo Data File . . . 104
2.3.6 Organising Geo Data Files . . . 105
2.3.6.1 Grouping Geo Data Files in Folders . . . 105
2.3.6.2 Creating Folders for Vectors and Images. . . 106
2.3.6.3 Moving a Vector or Image into a Dedicated Folder . . . 106
2.3.7 Embedding Geographic Data . . . 107
2.3.8 Repairing a Broken Link to a Geo Data File. . . 107
2.4 Digital Terrain Models . . . 107
2.5 Clutter Classes . . . 108
2.5.1 Assigning Names to Clutter Classes. . . 108
2.5.2 Defining Clutter Class Properties. . . 108
2.5.3 Adding a Clutter Class. . . 109
2.5.4 Refreshing the List of Clutter Classes . . . 110
2.5.5 Displaying Total Surface Area per Clutter Class . . . 110
2.6 Clutter Heights . . . 110
2.7 Contours, Lines, and Points . . . 111
2.7.1 Managing the Display of a Vector Layer . . . 111
2.7.2 Managing the Properties of the Vector Layer . . . 111
2.7.3 Moving a Vector Layer to the Network Explorer . . . 112
2.8 Scanned Images . . . 112
2.8.1 Importing Several Scanned Images . . . 112
2.8.2 Defining the Display Properties of Scanned Images . . . 113
2.9 Geoclimatic Maps. . . 113
2.9.1 Managing Geoclimatic Map Properties . . . 113
2.9.2 Displaying Geoclimatic Statistics . . . 113
2.10 Displaying Online Maps . . . 114
2.10.1 Displaying Online Maps from a Generic Tile Server. . . 114
2.10.2 Displaying Online Maps from the Microsoft Bing Tile Server . . . 115
2.10.3 Displaying Online Maps from a GEO or CFG File . . . 115
2.10.4 Online Maps Display Properties . . . 115
2.11 Setting the Priority of Geo Data . . . 116
2.11.1 Setting the Display Priority of Geo Data . . . 116
2.11.2 Setting the Priority of Geo Data in Calculations. . . 117
2.11.2.1 Example 1: Two DTM Maps Representing Different Areas . . . 117
2.11.2.2 Example 2: Clutter Classes and DTM Maps Representing the Same Area . . . 118
2.11.2.3 Example 3: Two Clutter Class Maps Representing a Common Area . . . 118
2.12 Displaying Geo Data Information . . . 119
2.13 Geographic Data Sets. . . 119
2.13.1 Exporting a Geo Data Set . . . 120
2.13.2 Loading a Geo Data Set . . . 120
2.14 Editing Geographic Data . . . 121
2.14.1 Editing Clutter Class Maps . . . 121
2.14.1.1 Creating a Clutter Polygon . . . 121
2.14.1.2 Editing a Clutter Polygon. . . 121
2.14.1.3 Displaying the Coordinates of Clutter Polygons . . . 122
2.14.1.4 Deleting Clutter Polygons . . . 122
2.14.2 Editing Geoclimatic Maps. . . 122
2.15 Saving Geographic Data. . . 123
2.15.1 Saving Modifications to an External File . . . 124
2.15.1.1 Exporting an Edited Clutter Class Map to a Raster File . . . 124
2.15.1.2 Exporting an Edited Vector Layer to a Vector File . . . 125
2.15.3 Combining Several Raster Files into a Single File. . . 125
2.15.4 Exporting an Embedded Geo Data File. . . 126
2.15.5 Creating a File from a Section of a Larger File . . . 126
3
Microwave Antennas and Equipment . . . .131
3.1 Defining the List of Manufacturers . . . 132
3.2 Defining Antennas . . . 132
3.2.1 Microwave Antenna Properties . . . 133
3.2.2 Creating an Antenna . . . 133
3.2.3 Importing Microwave Antennas . . . 135
3.2.4 Editing Microwave Antenna Patterns. . . 135
3.2.5 Displaying Antenna Patterns With a Fixed Scale . . . 136
3.2.6 Printing Microwave Antenna Patterns . . . 137
3.3 Microwave Radios . . . 137
3.3.1 Description of a Radio Series. . . 137
3.3.2 Creating or Modifying a Radio Series . . . 139
3.3.3 Description of a Radio . . . 139
3.3.4 Creating or Modifying a Radio . . . 145
3.3.5 Importing Microwave Radios . . . 145
3.3.5.1 Importing Single Radio Equipment Files into Atoll. . . 145
3.3.5.2 Preparing Multiple Radio Equipment Files for Importing . . . 146
3.3.5.3 Importing Multiple Radio Equipment Files into Atoll . . . 146
3.3.5.4 Importing Radios from XML Files. . . 147
3.3.6 Exporting Microwave Radios to XML Files . . . 147
3.3.7 Creating Radio Series and Multiple Radios . . . 148
3.3.8 Advanced Configuration . . . 149
3.3.8.1 Interference Reduction Factor. . . 149
3.3.8.2 Theoretical Graphs . . . 151
3.3.8.3 Defining Equipment Configurations . . . 152
3.4 Microwave Feeders . . . 158
3.4.1 Definition of Feeders . . . 158
3.4.2 Creating or Modifying Feeders . . . 159
3.5 Microwave Antenna/Radio/Feeder Compatibility . . . 159
3.5.1 Defining Compatibility Manually . . . 159
3.5.1.1 Using the Microwave Antenna/Feeder Compatibility Table . . . 159
3.5.1.2 Using the Microwave Antenna-Radio Compatibility Table . . . 160
3.5.2 Using Assistants to Define Compatibility . . . 160
3.5.2.1 Using the Assistant to Define Antenna/Feeder Compatibility . . . 160
3.5.2.2 Using the Assistant to Define Antenna/Radio Compatibility . . . 161
4
Microwave Calculations and Models . . . .165
4.1 Working with Backhaul Propagation Models . . . 165
4.1.1 Working with the Microwave Propagation Model . . . 165
4.1.2 Working with the Microwave ITU-R P.452 Model. . . 167
4.1.3 Working with the Microwave E-Band Propagation Model . . . 168
4.1.4 Working with the Point-to-Area Model . . . 170
4.2 Defining Backhaul Calculation Parameters . . . 171
4.2.1 Global Parameters . . . 171
4.2.2 Microwave Link Parameters . . . 175
4.2.2.1 Defining Parameters for a Single Microwave Link . . . 175
4.2.2.2 Defining Parameters for All Microwave Links. . . 179
4.2.2.3 Defining Parameters that Affect Calculations for a Group of Microwave Links . . . 179
4.2.2.4 Calculating Geoclimatic Parameters . . . 182
4.3 Managing Microwave Link Profiles . . . 183
4.3.1 Calculating Microwave Link Profiles . . . 183
4.3.2 Stopping Microwave Link Profile Calculation. . . 183
4.3.3 Setting the Storage Location of Microwave Link Profiles . . . 183
5.1 Designing a Backhaul Network . . . 187
5.2 Planning and Optimising Microwave Sites. . . 188
5.2.1 Creating Sites . . . 188
5.2.1.1 Site Properties . . . 188
5.2.1.2 Creating or Modifying a Site . . . 189
5.2.2 Site Survey Tools . . . 189
5.2.2.1 Displaying the Line of Sight Area Around One Site. . . 189
5.2.2.2 Analysing the Line of Sight Between Candidate Sites. . . 191
5.2.2.3 Displaying the Terrain Profile Between Candidate Sites . . . 193
5.2.2.4 Finding the Best Route Between Two Sites. . . 194
5.2.3 Tools in Atoll for Finding New Sites. . . 195
5.3 Creating Links . . . 197
5.3.1 Creating Microwave Links . . . 197
5.3.1.1 Microwave Link Properties . . . 197
5.3.1.2 Creating a Microwave Radio Link on the Map . . . 202
5.3.1.3 Creating Microwave Radio Links On Existing Sites . . . 203
5.3.1.4 Modifying a Microwave Radio Link . . . 203
5.3.1.5 Defining Power Settings . . . 203
5.3.1.6 Defining Port Parameters . . . 204
5.3.2 Creating Other Transmission Links . . . 206
5.3.2.1 Other Transmission Link Properties . . . 206
5.3.2.2 Creating Other Transmission Links on the Map . . . 206
5.3.2.3 Modifying Other Transmission Links . . . 207
5.3.3 Modifying Sites and Links Directly on the Map . . . 207
5.3.4 Setting Microwave and Other Transmission Links as Active . . . 207
5.3.5 Displaying Tips for Sites and Links . . . 208
5.3.6 Creating Passive Repeaters . . . 208
5.3.6.1 Definition of a Passive Repeater . . . 209
5.3.6.2 Opening the Passive Repeaters Table . . . 210
5.3.6.3 Creating or Modifying a Passive Repeater. . . 210
5.3.6.4 Placing a Passive Microwave Repeater on the Map Using the Mouse . . . 210
5.3.6.5 Adding a Passive Repeater to a Microwave Link. . . 211
5.3.7 Checking Data Consistency . . . 211
5.3.8 Setting the Working Area of an Atoll Document . . . 212
5.4 Designing and Optimising Microwave Links . . . 213
5.4.1 Understanding Issues Raised by the Link Design Assistant . . . 214
5.4.2 Specifying Link Design Parameters . . . 214
5.4.3 Using the Link Design Assistant . . . 215
5.4.4 Applying Solutions to Link Design Issues . . . 216
5.5 Analysing the Path Profile . . . 217
5.5.1 Displaying the Path Profile . . . 217
5.5.1.1 Viewing a Microwave Link Profile . . . 217
5.5.1.2 Studying Microwave Link Clearance . . . 218
5.5.1.3 Studying the Microwave Link Cross Section . . . 218
5.5.1.4 Defining the Display of the Microwave Link Profile . . . 219
5.5.1.5 Analysing a Particular Point Along the Profile. . . 220
5.5.1.6 Zooming and Scrolling in the Profile Analysis View . . . 221
5.5.1.7 Printing a Microwave Link Profile . . . 221
5.5.1.8 Modifying Microwave Link Profile Values . . . 222
5.5.2 Determining Microwave Link Antenna Heights . . . 226
5.5.2.1 Adjusting Microwave Antenna Heights Using the Mouse . . . 226
5.5.2.2 Defining Microwave Antenna Heights . . . 226
5.5.2.3 Automatically Optimising Microwave Antenna Heights . . . 226
5.6 Analysing Microwave Link Reliability . . . 227
5.6.1 Analysing a Single Microwave Link . . . 227
5.6.1.1 Calculating a Microwave Analysis Report . . . 228
5.6.1.2 Calculating a Microwave Link Design Summary . . . 230
5.6.1.3 Configuring the Contents of the Microwave Reports. . . 231
5.6.1.4 Printing a Microwave Report . . . 232
5.6.1.5 Exporting a Microwave Report. . . 232
5.6.2 Analysing Microwave Links . . . 232
5.6.2.1 Defining Link Budget Analysis Parameters . . . 233
5.6.2.3 Link Budget Calculation Validity . . . 234
5.6.3 Performing an End-to-End Reliability Analysis. . . 234
5.6.3.1 Creating Multi-hops . . . 235
5.6.3.2 Performing an End-to-End Reliability Analysis . . . 236
5.7 Studying Reflection . . . 236
5.7.1 Displaying Reflection . . . 237
5.7.2 Analysing Reflections . . . 238
5.7.2.1 Displaying the Reflection Analysis Report . . . 238
5.7.2.2 Configuring the Reflection Analysis Report . . . 241
5.7.2.3 Modifying Reflection Analysis Parameters . . . 241
5.7.3 Solutions for Reflection Problems . . . 242
5.8 Planning Microwave Link Channels . . . 244
5.8.1 Checking Microwave Link Site Parities . . . 244
5.8.1.1 Checking Site Parities on the Map. . . 244
5.8.1.2 Creating a Report on Site Parities . . . 246
5.8.1.3 Using the Find on Map Tool to Display Channel Reuse . . . 247
5.8.2 Displaying Channel Arrangements . . . 247
5.8.3 Allocating Channels Interactively . . . 248
5.8.3.1 Allocating Channels to a Microwave Link . . . 248
5.8.3.2 Defining the Allocation Calculation Parameters. . . 249
5.8.4 Working with the Frequency Spectrum Analyser . . . 251
5.8.5 Displaying Third-order Intermodulation Products . . . 252
5.9 Analysing Interference . . . 253
5.9.1 Interference Reduction Factor . . . 254
5.9.1.1 Defining IRF Graphs Manually . . . 254
5.9.1.2 Defining IRF Graphs with the Assistant . . . 255
5.9.2 Using IRF in Interference Calculations . . . 256
5.9.3 Analysing the Interference on a Single Microwave Link . . . 257
5.9.3.1 Displaying Interference in the Form of a Report . . . 257
5.9.3.2 Displaying Site A/Site B Interference Details . . . 258
5.9.3.3 Defining the Interference Analysis Parameters . . . 259
5.9.3.4 Displaying Interference on the Map . . . 261
5.9.4 Analysing the Interference on Multiple Microwave Links . . . 263
5.9.4.1 Defining Interference Analysis Parameters . . . 263
5.9.4.2 Performing an Interference Analysis on Multiple Microwave Links. . . 265
5.9.4.3 Managing Interference Calculation Validity . . . 266
5.10 Exporting Custom Reports . . . 266
5.10.1 Exporting a Custom Report for One Microwave Link . . . 266
5.10.2 Exporting a Custom Report for Several Microwave Links. . . 268
5.11 Advanced Configuration . . . 268
5.11.1 Defining Frequencies . . . 269
5.11.1.1 Frequency Band Properties . . . 269
5.11.1.2 Frequency Sub-band Properties . . . 269
5.11.1.3 Defining Microwave Link Frequency Bands . . . 270
5.11.1.4 Defining Microwave Link Frequency Sub-bands . . . 270
5.11.1.5 Viewing All Channel Arrangements Available for a Frequency Band . . . 271
5.11.2 Defining Performance Parameters . . . 272
5.11.2.1 Defining Link Classes. . . 272
5.11.2.2 Defining Performance Objectives . . . 272
5.11.3 Defining Design Rules . . . 276
5.11.4 Defining Frontages . . . 276
5.11.5 Defining Microwave Link Templates. . . 277
5.11.5.1 Creating a Microwave Link Template . . . 277
5.11.5.2 Modifying a Microwave Link Template . . . 278
5.11.5.3 Modifying a Field on a Microwave Link Template . . . 278
5.11.5.4 Deleting a Microwave Link Template . . . 279
5.11.6 Defining Transmission Link Types . . . 279
5.11.7 Modelling Point to Multipoint Systems . . . 279
5.11.7.1 Creating a Point to Multipoint System . . . 280
5.11.7.2 Point to Multipoint System Properties . . . 281
5.11.7.3 Connecting Sites to Hubs . . . 282
5.11.7.4 Setting all Microwave Links of a Point to Multipoint System as Active . . . 284
5.11.7.6 Deleting a Microwave Link from a Point to Multipoint System. . . 284
5.11.7.7 Deleting a Point to Multipoint System. . . 284
5.11.7.8 Mapping Microwave Links to Point to Multipoint Systems Using the PMP-Link Mapping Table . . . 284
5.11.7.9 Adjusting the Antenna of the Point to Multipoint Hub . . . 285
5.11.7.10 Adjusting the Antenna of the Point to Multipoint Hub Using the Mouse . . . 286
5.11.7.11 Analysing Point to Multipoint System Connections . . . 286
6
Backhaul Capacity Planning. . . 291
6.1 Creating the Logical Transport Layer . . . 292
6.1.1 Transport Layer Overview . . . 292
6.1.1.1 Backhaul Nodes . . . 293
6.1.1.2 Backhaul Segments . . . 293
6.1.2 Creating Nodes . . . 294
6.1.2.1 Node Properties. . . 294
6.1.2.2 Creating a Node on a Site . . . 295
6.1.2.3 Creating Multiple Nodes by Importing a Text File . . . 295
6.1.3 Creating Segments . . . 296
6.1.3.1 Segment Properties. . . 297
6.1.3.2 Creating a Segment on an Existing Link . . . 297
6.1.3.3 Creating a Segment over Multiple Links . . . 298
6.1.3.4 Creating Multiple Segments over a Single Link. . . 299
6.1.3.5 Connecting a Node . . . 300
6.1.3.6 Creating a Subnetwork . . . 300
6.1.3.7 Resetting Bandwidth . . . 302
6.1.4 Displaying and Exporting the Subnetwork Topology . . . 302
6.1.5 Inserting a Site Into a Physical Link . . . 303
6.2 Checking Logical and Physical Layer Consistency . . . 303
6.3 Dimensioning the Backhaul Network . . . 305
6.3.1 Dimensioning a Sub-network. . . 305
6.3.2 Dimensioning a Route . . . 306
6.3.3 Dimensioning the Entire Network . . . 307
6.3.4 Displaying the Dimensioning Results on the Map . . . 307
6.3.4.1 Displaying the Traffic Load . . . 307
6.3.4.2 Displaying the Remaining Bandwidth . . . 308
6.3.4.3 Displaying Dimensioning Results Using Tip Text. . . 308
6.3.5 Displaying the Results of the Dimensioning Analysis. . . 309
6.3.6 Displaying a Specific Segment in a Dimensioning Analysis . . . 309
6.3.7 Estimating Traffic Decrease and Increase. . . 310
6.3.8 Setting the Maximum Traffic Load . . . 310
6.3.9 Overbooking Ethernet Traffic . . . 311
6.4 Network Failure Simulation. . . 311
6.4.1 Simulating a Site Failure . . . 311
6.4.2 Simulating a Link Failure. . . 311
Atoll 3.3.2 User Manual
This User Manual provides guidance and detailed instructions to help you get started and to learn how to use the product effectively. To best understand the ideas and techniques described, you should already be familiar with the radio network technologies that are implemented in Atoll.
About Atoll
Atoll is a 64-bit multi-technology wireless network design and optimisation platform. Atoll is open, scalable, flexible, and
supports wireless operators throughout the network life cycle, from initial design to densification and optimisation.
Atoll Microwave is a complete backhaul and microwave link planning solution based on the leading Atoll platform, which
includes a high performance GIS and advanced data and user management features. Atoll Microwave can share its site data-base with Atoll radio planning and optimisation modules, thus allowing easy data consistency management across the oper-ator organisation.
Atoll’s integration and automation features help operators smoothly automate planning and optimisation processes through
flexible scripting and SOA-based mechanisms. Atoll supports a wide range of implementation scenarios, from standalone to enterprise-wide server-based configurations.
If you are interested in learning more about Atoll, please contact your Forsk representative to inquire about our training solu-tions.
About Forsk
Forsk is an independent company providing radio planning and optimisation software solutions to the wireless industry since 1987.
In 1997, Forsk released the first version of Atoll, its flagship radio planning software. Since then, Atoll has evolved to become a comprehensive radio planning and optimisation platform and, with more than 7000 installed licenses worldwide, has reached the leading position on the global market. Atoll combines engineering and automation functions that enable opera-tors to smoothly and gradually implement SON processes within their organisation.
Today, Forsk is a global supplier with over 450 customers in 120 countries and strategic partnerships with major players in the industry. Forsk distributes and supports Atoll directly from offices and technical support centres in France, USA, and China as well as through a worldwide network of distributors and partners.
Since the first release of Atoll, Forsk has been known for its capability to deliver tailored and turn-key radio planning and opti-misation environments based on Atoll.
To help operators streamline their radio planning and optimisation processes, Forsk provides a complete range of implemen-tation services, including integration with existing IT infrastructure, automation, as well as data migration, installation, and training services.
Getting Help
The online help system that is installed with Atoll is designed to give you quick access to the information you need to use the product effectively. It contains the same material as the Atoll 3.3.2 User Manual.
You can browse the online help from the Contents view, the Index view, or you can use the built-in Search feature. You can also download manuals from the Forsk web site at:
http://www.forsk.com/MyForskAccount/
Printing Help Topics
You can print individual topics or chapters from the online help. To print help topics or chapters:
1. In Atoll, click Help > Help Topics.
2. In the Contents tab, expand the table of contents.
3. Right-click the section or topic that you want to print and click Print. The Print Topics dialog box appears. 4. In the Print Topics dialog box, select what you want to print:
• If you want to print a single topic, select Print the selected topic.
• If you want to print an entire section, including all topics and sections in that section, select Print the selected
5. Click OK.
About Atoll Documentation
The following PDF manuals are available for Atoll and Atoll Microwave and can be downloaded from the Forsk web site at:
http://www.forsk.com/MyForskAccount/
• Atoll User Manual
• Atoll Administrator Manual
• Atoll Data Structure Reference Guide • Atoll Technical Reference Guide • Atoll Task Automation Guide • Atoll Model Calibration Guide
To read PDF manuals, download Adobe Reader from the Adobe web site at:
http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Hardcopy manuals are also available. For more information, contact to your Forsk representative.
Contacting Technical Support
Forsk provides global technical support for its products and services. To contact the Forsk support team, visit the My Forsk web site at:
http://www.forsk.com/MyForskAccount/
Alternatively, depending on your geographic location, contact one of the following support teams:
• Forsk Head Office
For regions other than North and Central America and China, contact the Forsk Head Office support team: • Tel.: +33 562 747 225
• Fax: +33 562 747 211 • Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 6.00 pm (GMT +1:00)
• Forsk US
For North and Central America, contact the Forsk US support team: • Tel.: 1-888-GO-ATOLL (1-888-462-8655)
• Fax: 1-312-674-4822
• Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 8.00 pm (Eastern Standard Time)
• Forsk China
For China, contact the Forsk China support team: • Tel: +86 20 8557 0016
• Fax: +86 20 8553 8285
• Email: [email protected]
Chapter 1
Working Environment
This chapter presents the Atoll working environment and explains the tools and shortcuts available.
This chapter covers the following topics: • "Documents" on page 15 • "Atoll Work Area" on page 26 • "Objects" on page 30 • "Maps" on page 41 • "Data Tables" on page 58 • "Printing in Atoll" on page 72
• "Grouping, Sorting, and Filtering Data" on page 76 • "Add-ins and Macros" on page 91
1 Working Environment
The Atoll working environment provides a wide set of tools to create and design microwave-planning projects in a single appli-cation and to create and export results based on your projects.
In Atoll, microwave-planning projects are modelled and managed through Atoll documents (files with the .ATL extension). The Atoll working environment is flexible and supports standard Windows capabilities (such as simultaneous opening of several windows, moving windows or objects by dragging and dropping them, commands accessible through context menus, standard shortcuts).
Data and objects contained in an Atoll document are accessible from different ways:
• Explorers: The explorers contain most of the objects in a document arranged in folders. Using the explorers, you can manage all objects in the Atoll document: sites, calculations, as well as geographic data such as the Digital Terrain Model (DTM), and clutter classes. You can, for example, define various coverage predictions or configure the param-eters or display of data objects.
• Maps: Atoll provides many tools for working with the map. You can change the view by moving or zooming in or out and you can choose which objects are displayed and how they are displayed. You can also export the current display definition, or configuration, to use it in other documents.
• Data tables: The content of the folders in the explorers can be displayed in tables, allowing you to manage large amounts of data. You can sort and filter the data in a table, or change how the data is displayed. You can also enter large amounts of information into a table by importing data or by cutting and pasting the information from any Win-dows spreadsheet into the table.
This chapter provides an overview of the Atoll working environment and covers the following topics: • "Documents" on page 15
• "Atoll Work Area" on page 26 • "Objects" on page 30 • "Maps" on page 41 • "Data Tables" on page 58 • "Printing in Atoll" on page 72
• "Grouping, Sorting, and Filtering Data" on page 76 • "Toolbars and Shortcuts" on page 91.
1.1 Documents
In Atoll, microwave-planning projects are modelled and managed through Atoll documents (files with the .ATL extension). Each Atoll document can contain multiple technologies and assembles the following necessary information:
• Microwave equipment such as sites, antennas, and other equipment. For more information on radio equipment, see
the technology-specific chapters.
• Microwave data such as frequency bands, technology-specific parameters, coordinate systems. For more information
on microwave data, see the technology-specific chapters.
• Geographic data such as clutter classes, clutter heights, Digital Terrain Model (DTM), . For more information on
geo-graphic data, see Chapter 2: Geogeo-graphic Data.
Atoll documents can be used in a single-user or multi-user environment:
• In a single-user environment, Atoll documents are standalone documents. Atoll is delivered with document templates that contain the data and folder structure necessary for the technologies you are using. You can also create your own templates by opening an existing template, changing it to fit your own requirements, and then saving it as a new tem-plate.
• In a multi-user environment, documents are connected to a database and can be created from an existing database. When you create an Atoll document from a database, the database you connect to has been created with the tech-nologies and data you need. Working with a database allows several users to share the same data while at the same time managing data consistency.
This section covers the following topics: • "Standalone Documents" on page 15.
• "Documents Connected to a Database" on page 16.
1.1.1 Standalone Documents
Standalone documents are documents that are not connected to a database and that are created based on a template deliv-ered along with Atoll. A template is available for each technology you are planning for. Each template provides data and a data structure suitable for the selected technology. For example, the tables and fields for transmitters as well as the radio
parameters available differ according to the project. As well, the objects that are available are appropriate for the technology. For example, UMTS cells are only available in UMTS documents and TRX are only available in GSM-TDMA documents. If you create a multi-RAT document, Atoll enables you to select the multiple radio technologies you will be planning for. In a multi-RAT document, the data and data structures for each radio technology planned for are made available in the new Atoll document.
Once you have selected the appropriate template for your microwave-planning project, you must configure the basic param-eters of the Atoll document.
This section covers the following topics: • "Available Templates" on page 16
• "Creating a Standalone Document" on page 16
1.1.1.1 Available Templates
Depending on your configuration of Atoll, the following templates are available: •
• Microwave Radio Links: This template enables you to create a physical backhaul network, including microwave and
other transmission links (fibre-optic links or leased lines).
• Backhaul: This template enables you to create both a physical and a logical backhaul network. The logical layer allows
you to perform backhaul capacity planning activities.
1.1.1.2 Creating a Standalone Document
You can create a standalone document based on a template. To create a document from a template:
1. In the File menu, select New > From a Document Template. The Project Templates dialog box i displayed.
2. Select the template on which you want to base your document. For information about templates, see "Available Tem-plates" on page 16.
3. Click OK. If you selected a Multi-RAT template, a dialog box is displayed enabling you to select the radio technologies
you want to model in the new document.
Atoll creates a document based on the selected template with the appropriate folder structure in the Network and Parameters explorer.
1.1.2 Documents Connected to a Database
Working with a database allows several users to share the same data in the context of a multi-user environment. Atoll can work with the following databases:
• Microsoft Access • Microsoft SQL Server • Oracle
• Microsoft Data Link files
The exact procedure of connecting with the database differs from one database to another.
When you create an Atoll document from a database, Atoll loads the data to which you have rights from database into your new document and then disconnects it from the database. The connection to the reference database is reactivated only when necessary, thus ensuring access to the database by other users.
When you work in a multi-user environment, there are issues related to sharing data that do not arise when you are working on a standalone document. For example, when you archive your changes to the database, the changes you have made may occasionally interfere with changes other users have made and you will need to resolve this conflict.
This section covers the following topics:
• "Atoll Multi-User Environment" on page 17 • "Creating a Document from a Database" on page 18 • "Checking the Database Connection" on page 18 • "Refreshing a Document from the Database" on page 18 • "Archiving the Modifications in the Database" on page 19.
1.1.2.1 Atoll Multi-User Environment
A multi-user environment is one where a number of users or groups of users work simultaneously on given parts of a single, large (perhaps nation-wide) network. Different user groups might be working on regional or smaller sections of the network. An Atoll multi-user environment consists of the following items, connected over a network:
• A central Atoll project: The central Atoll project can only be accessed, modified, and updated by the Atoll
adminis-trator. Through this central Atoll project, the Atoll administrator can manage all the data shared by all the individual
Atoll users or groups of users.
• Shared data: Shared data is initially set up by the administrator using the central Atoll project and are then accessed,
modified, worked on, and updated by the Atoll users and the administrator. The shared data is mainly of the following three types:
• The central database: The central database stores all the radio data of all the Atoll user documents. It is initiated
through the central Atoll project by the administrator, and is then subdivided into sections on which users or groups of users can work simultaneously. Once the database is in place, users can modify their projects, refresh their projects from the data stored in the database, and archive their modifications in the database. The use of a database means that potential data conflicts due to modifications from other users, modified or deleted records, for example, can be detected and resolved.
• Shared geographic data: Shared geographic data files are usually stored on a common file server with a fast access
connection. Since geographic data files are usually large, they are usually linked to an Atoll file, i.e., they are stored externally, so as to minimise the size of the Atoll file. Users who modify geographic data locally, for example, editing edit clutter or traffic in their respective projects, usually store these modifications locally, since these mod-ifications rarely have an impact on other users.
• Microwave link profiles: Shared microwave link profiles are calculated in the central Atoll project by the
admin-istrator. Users can read these shared profiles but cannot modify them. When a profile is changed in an user’s Atoll document, then the new profile is stored locally in the user’s private profile folder. The shared profile is not mod-ified.
Shared profiles are updated when the calculation administrator performs an update, taking into account the mod-ifications made by other users that have been updated in the central database.
• User Documents: Individual user documents are initialised by the administrator but are later worked upon and
man-aged by each user. User documents are Atoll files which are connected to the central database, load only the required part of the geographic data (as defined by the CFG file, for example), and have access to the shared microwave link profiles folder.
1.1.2.2 Creating a Document from a Database
When you create a new document from a database, you must connect to the database. Once connected, Atoll loads the data-base into a new Atoll document. Then the connected is interrupted. A new connection with the datadata-base will be created only when necessary, in order to allow other users access to the database.
To create a document from a database:
1. In the File menu, select New > From an Existing Database. The Open from a Database dialog box appears.
2. In the Files of type list, select the option corresponding to the type of your database. Depending on the type of the
database, a dialog box is displayed to enter your User Name, Password, and Server.
3. Click OK. The Data to Load dialog box is displayed allowing you to select the data to load into the new Atoll document. 4. Select the Project, Site List, Custom Fields Groups, and Neighbours to be loaded from the database to create the
doc-ument and click OK. If you load the intra-technology or the inter-technology neighbour list, the associated exceptional pairs table is also loaded.
The new document opens with data loaded from the database.
1.1.2.3 Checking the Database Connection
You can check whether your document is connected to a database, modify the properties of the database connection, or disconnect a document from a database.
To view the characteristics of the database connection:
1. In the Document menu, select Database > Connection Properties.
• If the document is connected to a database, the Database Connection dialog box appears.
• If the document is a standalone document, a message is displayed to inform you that the document is not con-nected to a database. A document created from a template is not concon-nected to any database.
2. To modify the connection to the database, click Modify.
3. To disconnect the document from the database, click Disconnect.
1.1.2.4 Refreshing a Document from the Database
As you are working on your document, other users who have access to the database may have modified some of the data. You can ensure that you have the most recent data in your document by refreshing the information from the database. How frequently you refresh the document depends on how frequently the database is updated. If the database is updated frequently, you should refresh your document frequently as well, in order to continue working with the most up-to-date data.
For information on creating and maintaining the database, see the Administrator Manual.
• You can configure Atoll to always use a defined database type (MS Access, SQL Server, or Oracle) by setting an option in the Atoll.ini file. In this case, the Open
from a Database dialog box is replaced by the database-specific authentication
dialog box. For more information, see the Administrator Manual.
• Additional dialog boxes might open asking you to choose which project in the data-base to load or which site list to load.
If the north-west point of the project is by default the axis origin, the new document opens with no site displayed in the map window. You can centre the document on the data displayed in the Network explorer by expanding the Sites folder, right-clicking any site, and selecting Centre in Map Window from the context menu (see "Centring the Map Window on a Selection" on page 44).
If you disconnect your document from the database, it becomes a standalone document and it is not possible to reconnect it to the database.
To refresh an Atoll document from the database:
1. In the Document menu, select Database > Refresh From the Database. The Refresh dialog box is displayed. 2. If you have modified your document but have not yet saved those changes in the database, you can do one of the
following:
• Archive your changes in the database: This option allows you to archive your changes to the server instead of
refreshing your document from the server.
• Refresh unmodified data only: This option allows you to refresh from the database only those items that you have
not modified in your document.
• Cancel your changes and reload database: This option allows you to cancel any changes you have made and start
over from the point of the last archive to the database.
3. Under Take into account, you can select the neighbour lists, Intra-technology Neighbours and Inter-technology Neighbours, to refresh.
4. To create a report for the refresh process, select Generate Report under Modifications Since the Last Refresh. 5. Click OK. The document is refreshed according to the selected options.
If you selected to generate a report, Atoll creates a text file in CSV (Comma Separated Values) format in the temporary files system folder and opens it. You can then rename the file and save it where you want. The report lists all the modifications (deletions, additions, and updates) that were stored in the database since the last time you refreshed or opened your docu-ment.
1.1.2.5 Archiving the Modifications in the Database
When you are working on an Atoll document that is attached to a database, it is recommended from time to time archive the modifications you have made to the data on the database. How frequently you should archive your document depends on several factors: the amount and size of changes you make, the number of other users using the database who might benefit from your modifications, and so on. What you can archive depends on the user rights the database administrator has given to you. For example, you can have read access to the antennas table, allowing you to create a new Atoll document with the given antennas. However, because only the administrator can modify the properties of the antennas, you will not be able to archive any changes you make to the antennas without write access to the table.
The Atoll archiving process is flexible. You can archive all your modifications or only the site-related modifications. As well, when you are archiving, Atoll shows you all modifications that will be archived and, if you want, you can archive only some of them or even undo modifications you have made locally. Occasionally, other users might have modified some of the same data and, when you archive your changes, Atoll will inform you of the possible conflicts and help you resolve them. In this section, the following are explained:
• "Archiving Modifications in the Database" on page 19 • "Resolving Data Conflicts" on page 20.
1.1.2.5.1
Archiving Modifications in the Database
Atoll allows you to archive all your modifications or only site-related data modifications.
To archive all your modifications in the database:
1. In the Document menu, select Database > Archive. The Archive dialog box appears.
2. In the Archive dialog box, you can do the following:
• To archive all your changes to the database, click Run All.
• To archive a specific modification to the database, select it under Pending changes and click Run.
• To view the differences between a local item and the corresponding item on the database, select the item under
Pending changes and click Differences.
• If you chose Refresh unmodified data only or Cancel your changes and reload
database, Atoll proceeds without asking for confirmation.
• If you chose Archive your changes in the database, the Archive dialog box appears. For information, see "Archiving the Modifications in the Database" on page 19.
You can archive only site-related data in the database by right-clicking the Sites folder in the Network explorer and selecting Archive from the context menu. The Archive dialog box appears with only site-related data displayed. Which data is archived depends on the radio technology you are working with. For example, in a UMTS HSPA radio planning project, the site-related data is: sites, transmitters, cells, and neighbours.
• To refresh the modification of an item with the original data from the database, select the item under Pending
changes and click Undo.
3. If some of the data has been modified on the database since you last refreshed, Atoll stops the archiving process and
asks you to resolve the conflict. For information on managing conflicts, see "Resolving Data Conflicts" on page 20.
4. Click Close when you are finished archiving.
1.1.2.5.2
Resolving Data Conflicts
Atoll enables several users to use the same database by allowing user to load the data and then freeing the database for other
users. However, this also creates the possibility of two users modifying the same data. When a second user attempts to archive his changes, Atoll warns them that the data has been changed since they last refreshed the data and that there is a conflict.
Atoll can resolve data conflicts. When Atoll finds a conflict, it displays the warning window shown in Figure 1.2.
You have three options:
• Ignore: If you click Ignore, Atoll ignores items causing conflicts in the table being archived, archives all other
modifi-cations in the table, and continues with the next table. You can resolve the conflicts after the archiving process has ended. However, if conflicts are found in other tables, Atoll will warn you with the Database Transfer Error dialog box again.
• Ignore All: If you click Ignore All, Atoll ignores all items causing conflicts in all tables being archived, and archives all
other modifications. You can resolve the conflicts after the archiving process has ended.
• Abort: If you click Abort, the archiving process stops. You can attempt to resolve conflicts before restarting the
archiving process.
Whether you abort the archive process to resolve the conflict immediately, or wait until the end of the archive process, the procedure to resolve the conflict is the same.
To resolve data conflicts one by one:
1. In the Pending Changes pane of the Archive dialog box, select the conflict you want to resolve and click Resolve. There
are two different types of data conflicts:
• On a modified record: You are in the process of archiving your modifications on the database and another user
has modified the same data since you last archived or refreshed your data. A conflict is caused only by differences in the same field of the same record between the database and the current Atoll document.
The Conflict in Changes dialog box appears, with the fields in conflict highlighted (see Figure 1.3). In the Conflict
in Changes dialog box, you can see the value of the field in the database in the Database values column, as well
as the value of the same field in your document in the Current values column.
Figure 1.2: Conflict warning
• If you want to overwrite the database value with the value of the same field in your document, select the check box next to the highlighted change and click Okay. Your modification will be written to the database, overwrit-ing the value there.
• If you want to accept the value of the field in the database, clear the check box next to the highlighted change and click Okay. Your modification will be lost and the value in the database will remain unchanged.
• On a deleted record: You are in the process of archiving your modifications on the database and another user has
deleted a record since you last archived or refreshed your data. For information, see "Resolving Data Conflicts" on page 20.
Atoll displays a message explaining that the record you are trying to update has been deleted from the database
(see Figure 1.4). Select one of the following:
• Yes: Select Yes to store your modifications in the database, thereby recreating the deleted record.
• No: Select No to abandon your modifications to this record and delete this record from your document.
• Cancel: Select Cancel to cancel. 2. Click Close to close the Archive dialog box.
To resolve all the data conflicts:
1. In the Pending Changes pane of the Archive dialog box, select any conflict and click Resolve All. Atoll displays a
message explaining how Resolve All works (see Figure 1.5). Select one of the following:
• Yes: Select Yes to accept all the modifications made by other users in the database and update your document
with values from the database.
• No: Select No to overwrite the modifications made by other users in the database with the values from your
doc-ument.
• Cancel: Select Cancel to cancel. 2. Click Close to close the Archive dialog box.
1.1.3 Configuring Document Properties
Once you have created a document, you need to configure the basic parameters of the Atoll document. You can accept the default values for some parameters, such as basic measurement units, but you must set projection and display coordinate systems.
This section covers the following topics:
• "Projection and Display Coordinate Systems" on page 22
Figure 1.4: Conflict on a deleted record
Figure 1.5: Resolving all the data conflicts simultaneously
You should only resolve all the data conflicts when you are certain about the modifications.
• "Setting a Coordinate System" on page 22 • "Selecting the Degree Display Format" on page 23 • "Setting Measurement Units" on page 23 • "Defining a Project Description" on page 23
1.1.3.1 Projection and Display Coordinate Systems
In Atoll, you define the two coordinate systems for each Atoll document: the projection coordinate system and the display coordinate system. By default, the same coordinate system is used for both.
A projection is a method for producing all or part of a round body on a flat sheet. This projection cannot be done without distortion, thus the cartographer must choose the characteristic (distance, direction, scale, area or shape) which is to be shown appropriately at the expense of the other characteristics, or he must compromise on several characteristics1. The projected zones are referenced using cartographic coordinates (metre, yard, etc.).
Two projection systems are widely used:
• The Lambert Conformal-Conic projection: a portion of the earth is mathematically projected on a cone conceptually
secant at one or two standard parallels. This projection type is useful for representing countries or regions that lay primarily east to west.
• The Universal Transverse Mercator projection (UTM): a portion of the earth is mathematically projected on a cylinder
tangent to a meridian (which is transverse or crosswise to the equator). This projection type is useful for mapping large areas that are oriented north-south.
A geographic system is not a projection, but a representation of a location on the earth's surface from geographic coordinates (degree-minute-second or grade) giving the latitude and longitude in relation to the origin meridian (Paris for the NTF system and Greenwich for the ED50 system). The locations in the geographic system can be converted into other projections.
Atoll has databases including more than 980 international coordinate system references, a database based on the European
Petroleum Survey Group and another one regrouping only France's coordinate systems. Atoll uses the cartographic coordi-nate systems for projection and either cartographic or geographic coordicoordi-nate systems for display.
The maps displayed in the workspace are referenced with the same projection system as the imported geographic data files; thus, the projection system depends on the imported geographic file. By choosing a specific display system, you can see (using the rulers or status bars) the location of sites on the map in a coordinate system different from the projection coordinate system. You can also position on the map sites referenced in the display system: the coordinates are automatically converted from the projection system to the display system and the site is displayed on the map.
1.1.3.2 Setting a Coordinate System
To work with maps, you must set a coordinate system for your Atoll document. By default, projection and display coordinate systems are the same, but you can choose a display coordinate system different from the projection coordinate system. To define the coordinate system:
1. Select Document > Properties. The Properties dialog box appears.
2. On the Coordinates tab, click the Browse button to the right of the Projection field. The Coordinate Systems dialog
box appears.
3. In the Coordinate Systems dialog box, select a catalogue from the Find in list. For the projection system, only
carto-graphic systems ( ) are available.
4. Select a coordinate system from the list.
5. Click OK. The selected coordinate system appears in the Projection field and, by default, in the Display field as well.
1. Snyder, John. P., Map Projections Used by the US Geological Survey, 2nd Edition, United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 313 pages, 1982.
All imported raster geographic files must be use the same cartographic system. If not, you must convert them to a single cartographic system.
If you frequently use a particular coordinate system you can add it to a catalogue of favou-rites by clicking Add to Favoufavou-rites.
6. To set a different coordinate system for the display, click the Browse button to the right of the Display field and repeat
step 3. to step 5. For the display system, both cartographic systems (identified by the symbol) and geographic sys-tems ( ) are available.
1.1.3.3 Selecting the Degree Display Format
Atoll can display longitude and latitude in four different formats. For example:
• 26°56’29.9’’N • 26d56m29.9sN • 26.93914N • +26.93914
To change the degree display format:
1. Select Document > Properties. The Properties dialog box appears. 2. On the Coordinates tab, select the format from the Degree Format list. 3. Click OK.
1.1.3.4 Setting Measurement Units
When you create an Atoll document, measurement units for reception, transmission, antenna gain, distance, temperature, height, and offset are set to default. You can change the measurement units using the Properties dialog box.
To set the default measurement units:
1. Select Document > Properties. The Properties dialog box appears. 2. On the Units tab, select the desired unit for the following measurements:
• Radio:
• Radiated power: Select either "EIRP" (Effective Isotropically Radiated Power) or "ERP" ()
• Antenna gain: Select either "dBi" (decibel (isotropic)) or "dBd" (decibel (dipole))
• Transmission: Select either "dBm" (decibel (milliWatt)), "W" (Watt), or "kW" (kiloWatt)
• Reception: Select either "dBm" (decibel (milliWatt)), "dBµV" (decibel (microvolt)), "dBµV/M" (decibel
(micro-volt per metre)), or "V/M" ((micro-volts per metre) • Geo:
• Distance: Select either "m" (metres), "Km" (kilometres), or "mi" (miles)
• Height and offset: Select either "m" (metres) or "ft" (feet)
• Climate:
• Temperature: Select either "°C" (Celsius) or "°F" (Fahrenheit) 3. Click OK.
1.1.3.5 Defining a Project Description
Atoll allows you to define a few parameters, such as author or project status, that will can be used to describe the Atoll project
you are working on. The description you enter can be consulted by anyone working on this project. The degree format options apply only to the geographic coordinate systems.
You can change the default metre-to-feet conversion factor from 3.28 to a more precise value by setting the MeterToFeetFactor option in the [Units] section of the Atoll.ini file. For more information, see the Administrator Manual.
You can change the default mile-to-metre conversion factor from 1609 to a more precise value by setting the MileToMeterFactor option in the [Units] section of the Atoll.ini file. For more information, see the Administrator Manual.
To define a project description:
1. Select Document > Properties. The Properties dialog box appears.
2. Click the Project tab. On the Project tab, you can define the following parameters:
• Title: You can set a descriptive name for the project that is different from the file name of the Atoll project file.
• Date: You can enter a timestamp for the project and then click the Lock button to prevent it from being changed.
By default Atoll enters the current time as the timestamp. Each time you access the Project tab, Atoll will update the timestamp.
• Owner: You can enter the name of the person responsible for the project, and then click the Lock button to
pre-vent it from being changed. By default Atoll enters the name you used to log on to the computer. • Status: You can enter a description of the project status.
• Logo: You define a logo for the project by clicking the Browse button and browsing to a graphic file that can be
used as a logo for the project. The logo will be used in reports exported in RTF format • Comments: You can enter any comments in the Comments field.
3. Click OK.
1.1.4 Saving Documents
With Atoll, you can save a copy of your Atoll document and you can create portable documents. You can also configure auto-matic backup of your documents.
You can also save geographic data files separately from saving an Atoll document. For more information, see "Saving Geographic Data" on page 123.
This section covers the following topics:
• "Saving a Copy of a Document" on page 24
• "Creating and Sharing Portable Atoll Documents" on page 24 • "Configuring Automatic Backup" on page 25
1.1.4.1 Saving a Copy of a Document
When you save a copy of an Atoll document you can link the new Atoll document with the externalised results files of the original document, create copies of the externalised calculation results with the new document, or ignore the externalised results files of the original document.
To save a copy of your Atoll document:
1. In the File menu, select Save As. The Externalised results dialog box is displayed. 2. Select one of the following options:
• To link the copy of your Atoll document with the externalised calculation results files of the original document, select Link with the externalised results of the original document.
• To create copies of the externalised calculation results with the new document, select Make a copy of the
exter-nalised results.
• To create a copy of your document without linking the externalised calculation results files of the original docu-ment, select Ignore the externalised results.
3. Click OK in the Externalised results dialog box. The Save As dialog box is displayed. 4. Select the folder where the copy is to be stored, enter a File name, and click Save.
1.1.4.2 Creating and Sharing Portable Atoll Documents
You can create portable Atoll documents in two ways: • By embedding all the geographic data in the ATL file.
• By creating a compressed archive (ZIP file) containing the ATL file and all geographic data linked to the Atoll document. In most working environments, geographic data files are stored on a common file server and are linked to the ATL documents of different users over a network. Often these geographic data files are quite large, and it is not feasible to embed these files in an ATL file for reasons related to file size, memory consumption, and performance. It is, therefore, more useful to make a project portable by creating an archive that contains the ATL and all linked geographic data files.
You can set an option in the [Settings] section of the Atoll.ini file to link, copy, or ignore the externalised calculation results files and to hide the Externalised results dialog box when saving a copy of a document.