Interpolation and mapping of the median k-factor for terrestrial link applications in South Africa

Author

Nyete, Abraham M. ; Afullo, Thomas J. O.

Author_Institution

Dept. of Electr., Electron. & Comput. Eng., Univ. of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

fYear

2013

fDate

9-12 Sept. 2013

Firstpage

1

Lastpage

4

Abstract

In this paper, three years recent radiosonde data obtained from the South African Weather Service for seven locations in South Africa (Bethlehem, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Polokwane, Pretoria and Upington) has been processed, analyzed and median k-factor values at a height of 200m above ground level processed. Due to the tedious nature of processing clear-air meteorological data, and the cost involved in launching radiosondes, two interpolation techniques have been employed in extending the k-factor statistics obtained to cover the whole of South Africa. A comparison of the interpolation methods is drawn by using the Mean Absolute Error and Root Mean Square Error criteria and then the interpolated and gridded values are presented in contour maps.

Keywords

interpolation; mean square error methods; radio links; radiosondes; radiowave propagation; clear air meteorological data; contour maps; interpolation techniques; k factor statistics; mapping; mean absolute error; median k factor; radiosonde data; root mean square error; terrestrial link applications; Atmospheric measurements; Atmospheric waves; Data models; Earth; Interpolation; Refractive index; Sea measurements; Mean Absolute Error; Root Mean Square Error; contour maps; interpolation; k-factor; radiosonde;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

AFRICON, 2013

Conference_Location

Pointe-Aux-Piments

ISSN

2153-0025

Print_ISBN

978-1-4673-5940-5

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/AFRCON.2013.6757759

Filename

6757759