DETERMINING OPTIMAL CELL TOWER LOCATIONS IN RUGGED TERRAIN WITH A VIEWSHED ANALYSIS

Abstract

As the national telecommunication grid continues to expand it provides millions of Americans with reliable communication services, such as cellphone reception. However, large portions of the country, particularly remote and rugged regions, still lack consistent or any coverage. Addressing these gaps is crucial, especially for emergency response, where instant communication can significantly improve outcomes. This case study focuses on Logan Canyon, Utah, where Highway 89 traverses a region with no existing cell phone reception. This lack of coverage poses safety risks, especially in the event of an emergency. A suitability analysis was performed using line-of-sight methods to identify optimal locations for telecommunication towers. A 3D elevation model was created by melding high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) and LiDAR point clouds to simulate both bare earth elevation and canopy cover height. Using the highway centerline as a reference a line-of-sight analysis identified high-visibility areas. The areas of highest visibility were then identified, and a second line-of-sight analysis was performed, accounting for direct signals as well as diffraction and reflection effects, to refine the potential coverage area. Results suggest that strategically placing telecommunication towers within Logan Canyon could significantly improve cellular coverage along Highway 89. However, the analysis also indicates diminishing returns with additional towers, emphasizing the importance of balancing infrastructure costs with coverage benefits. While this study is specific to Logan Canyon, its methodology provides a framework that can be adapted to other regions facing similar connectivity challenges.