Effects of building heights on predictions in Munich using a multiple vertical-knife-edges propagation model

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of the building heights on the results of our MCOR prediction tool in the area of Munich (Germany). The goal is to compare predictions performed assuming buildings having a constant height and either (1) predictions considering the buildings with their real heights or (2) measurements. The three dimensional building layout (contour and height) and the topographical data are the geometrical inputs of the prediction tool. The study shows that predictions performed with the real building heights can be well approximated by predictions made with buildings having a constant height. The errors between the two predictions are Gaussian with a standard deviation of about 4 dB. A reasonable approximation of the constant value for the building height is given by the mean building height. Another good approximation of the constant building height value is obtained from a statistical analysis based on a set of measurement points.