Ray-tracing analysis of the radio propagation on the line-of-sight maritime wireless environments

Abstract

Due to heavy maritime traffic, wireless systems play an important role to maintain the traffic safety. In this paper, we try to analyse the radio propagation of wireless systems in maritime environments. Although, there are many wireless systems should be covered, we picked up a radar system focusing a line-of-sight radio propagation in this paper. In general, radar antennas are set in the highest location to get a line-of-sight view for a wide area. However, there are cases when high islands hamper the line-of-sight. In this case, the system is not able to see the area through the radio waves, which will cause serious problems for navigation safety. We will try to assess the area using a ray-tracing method. The procedure of using the geospatial information authority of Japan (GSI)'s topographical data is given, to assess the area where the radio waves are unable to reach, through simulation.