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ProMan
The ProMan component includes wave propagation models for different scenarios and network planning simulators for various air interfaces.
Introduction to Propagation Manager (ProMan)
Predict path loss between transmitter and receiver with ProMan. Perform network planning including the wireless standards (the air interfaces) and including multiple transmitters/receivers (multiple base stations).
Map Data
Raster Data
Raster data is a digital image consisting of rows and columns of cells storing color data. Different types of data are given to build a map.
Topography
Topography data defines the propagation terrain. It is the most important databases due to its significant influence on propagation.
Conversion of Topographical Data
Built-in converters in ProMan convert several file formats to the WinProp format. The supported file formats and selection of parameters are provided.

Welcome
Release Notes
See what's new in the latest release.
Get Started
The WinProp Getting Started Guide contains step-by-step instructions on how to get started with WinProp.
Examples
The Altair installation directory contains a collection of examples that shows you WinProp concepts and essentials.
Introduction to WinProp
WinProp is a complete suite of tools in the domain of wireless propagation and radio network planning. With applications ranging from satellite to terrestrial, from rural via urban to indoor radio links, WinProp’s innovative wave propagation models combine accuracy with short computation time.
Typical Workflow in WinProp
View the typical workflows when working with propagation simulations in specific scenarios, how to add a network planning to a propagation simulation, include a receiver pattern, set up a time-variant scenario, include multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) at both the base station and the mobile station, connectivity analysis of sensor networks and optimization.
WallMan
The WallMan component offers a convenient facility to generate and edit vector building databases.
TuMan
The TuMan tool enables you to generate and modify tunnel scenarios.
AMan
Use AMan to generate, edit and analyze a single antenna. Superimpose multiple antennas radiating similar signals to determine the actual antenna pattern while taking into consideration the local environment.
ProMan
The ProMan component includes wave propagation models for different scenarios and network planning simulators for various air interfaces.
- Introduction to Propagation Manager (ProMan)
  Predict path loss between transmitter and receiver with ProMan. Perform network planning including the wireless standards (the air interfaces) and including multiple transmitters/receivers (multiple base stations).
  - User Interface
    The ProMan (Propagation) software package is designed to predict path loss accurately between transmitter and receiver. The ProMan (network) software offers network planning modules.
  - Run From Command Line
    ProMan can be started with additional arguments passed in the command line to load and execute existing projects automatically.
  - WinProp Command Line Interface
    The WinProp command line interface (WinPropCLI) executable enables you to run WinProp projects in batch mode without launching the graphical user interface (GUI). It is available on both Microsoft Windows and Linux. Internally, the WinPropCLI executable calls the WinProp API. The WinPropCLI can be used within queuing systems such as Altair PBS, Torque, LSF, GridEngine and more.
  - Global Settings
    Global settings are settings that are not relevant to a specific project or database.
  - Antenna Patterns
    The correct format for antenna patterns is required to ensure accurate propagation modeling.
  - Map Data
    - Raster Data
      Raster data is a digital image consisting of rows and columns of cells storing color data. Different types of data are given to build a map.
      - Coordinate Systems
      - Modification of the Area Geometry
      - Topography
        Topography data defines the propagation terrain. It is the most important databases due to its significant influence on propagation.
        Conversion of Topographical Data
        Built-in converters in ProMan convert several file formats to the WinProp format. The supported file formats and selection of parameters are provided.
        Generating Topographical Data
        Generate topographical data by using drawing tools and creating a matrix.
      - Clutter / Land Usage
        Clutter databases are pixel matrices and contain information about the land usage at a given location. These are also called morpho databases or land usage databases.
      - Vegetation
        Vegetation databases contain information about the height at a given location. The databases are based on pixel matrices. Each pixel defines the height for a given location (for example, the center of the pixel).
    - Vector Data
      In a GIS, geographical features are often expressed as vectors, by considering those features as geometrical shapes.
    - Photos
      Photos are used as background images.
  - Sites and Transmitters
    A site represents a base transceiver station (BTS) that allows wireless communication between user equipment and a network.
  - Components
    Model complex radio networks in indoor environments using predefined components from a component database.
  - Import and Export
  - Component Database
    WinProp features a component database with manufacturer information. Components such as combiners, splitters, amplifiers can be added for modeling of the propagation environment.
- Propagation Projects
- Network and Base Station Planning Projects
- MIMO Analysis Through Post-Processing
- Results
- Addenda
- Parallel Processing
  Use parallel MPI processes to solve a problem efficiently using the standard ray tracing model (SRT).
- Default Shortcut Keys
  View the default shortcut keys available for ProMan for faster and easier operation.
Methods
WinProp includes empirical and semi-empirical models (calibration with measurements possible), rigorous 3D ray-tracing models as well as the unique dominant path model (DPM).
Main Applications
In WinProp various air interfaces and applications are pre-defined: broadcasting, cellular, wireless access, WiFi, sensor networks, ICNIRP and EM compliance.
WinProp Utilities
The WinProp utilities consist of the Launcher utility and the Updater.
Appendix
Reference information is provided in the appendix.

Conversion of Topographical Data

Built-in converters in ProMan convert several file formats to the WinProp format. The supported file formats and selection of parameters are provided.

ProMan supports the following file formats:

WinProp format (.tdb)
WinProp format index file (.tdi)
ASCII line format
ASCII grid format (.asc)
ASCII grid format index file (.txt)
Binary grid format (.bin)
Aircom ASSET / NSN NetAct
MSI Planet / Siemens Tornado (single data file)
MSI Planet / Siemens Tornado (index data file)
Nokia NPS/X (single data file)
Nokia NPS/X (index data file)
USGS DEM
USGS BIL
HGT (3 ARC)
HGT (1 ARC)
Digital Terrain Elevation Data
Planetaray Data System (.img / .lbl / .xml)
GeoTIFF

Step 1: Selection of Parameters

Databases can be converted by clicking Data > Convert topographical database.

Figure 1. The Data Conversion dialog.

There are several parameters available:

Format of original database: Select the format of the original database for the conversion.
Coordinates of original database: Select the coordinate datum of the original database. Depending on the type of format, this selection is not available, for example, HGT format only allows WGS 84 coordinates. Depending on the database format, you have to define the coordinates of the original database as well.
Options for conversion: Specify the resolution and the value by which the heights in the file can be scaled. This is useful if the source format is given in feet or inches. Additionally, depending on the file format, the resolution of the destination file can be defined.
Coordinates of converted database: Select the coordinates of the converted database (depending on the input format).
Save database additionally in indoor database format: Save the database to the indoor database format (.idb). This is useful if a detailed terrain profile is necessary for investigation of the radio channel with indoor wave propagation models (for example, ray tracing).
Handling of undefined pixels: Specify the handling of undefined pixels.

Step 2: Selection of Files and Conversion

After the parameters are defined, the files (source and destination) are selected, and the conversion is done. The topographic database is created in the .tdb file format. Depending on the topography, it can be split into several .tdb files.