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

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.