Propagation modelling for the South African SKA site

The South African Square Kilometre Array (SKA-SA) precursor instrument (MeerKAT) is being realized in the semi-desert Karoo region of the Northern Cape. Thus far, much has been achieved in terms of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) interventions. However, recent surveys have shown that signal propagation ought to be examined in greater detail, ultimately leading to a site evaluation of the SKA-SA facility. Propagation modelling is the first step in this process. Hence, the Egli model, ITU-R P.1546 and the Longley-Rice Irregular Terrain Model (ITM) are evaluated as propagation tools for use in the Karoo. The results show that optimizations are required to better predict path loss in the Karoo environment.