How important are Data Terrain Modules in RF planning

Almost all mobile networks work on the radio frequency. Since radio signals have very weak penetrating power, they require line-of-sight communication between base station and mobile station, without any obstruction. While setting up base stations or towers, telecommunication companies need to be sure that there are no blind spots in the covered area brought forth by uneven terrain, dense urbanization or forest cover etc.
Evaluating the elevation of an entire country based on raw data is a cumbersome task, to say the least. To simplify the RF planning process for your company and to optimize your network, you can use pre-defined Data Terrain Modules (DTM). When combined with other geo data, DTMs would help in the automation of RF planning.
You can eliminate uncertainty by modeling the exact behavior of your network coverage in doubtful areas, if a tower has been set-up there. DTMs can also be used to make smart decisions about location and height of the tower to be used, in order to cover maximum area without any problems.
Lepton Software is a pioneer in providing DTMs for telecommunication companies. For optimal RF planning, we also distribute vectors (geo data about location of roads, rivers etc.) and clutter (to understand urban/forest cover, aiding in RF modeling). You can get in touch with our team to know more about data terrain modules to suit your requirement.