Analysis Model to Optimize Ground Stations in Built-up Areas

Resumen

Geomatics has been revolutionary in research and development in a large variety of domains. This discipline, based on spatial data information involves every method and tool, from geographic data acquisition to distribution. One of its main characteristics is adaptability to a problem which needs to be solved or analyzed through integration of different technologies, taking into consideration the work scale and the required resolution. Another is the visualization of data and deliverables obtained by applying different software tools considering the required digital formats and the most adequate representation for a better understanding of the results. This research is based on the exploration of geomatics tools and techniques to provide a best solution in the site selection of satellite ground stations in built-up areas. In this sense, the research started with the analysis of the most relevant critical points during site selection to introduce the research problem of the satellite ground station scenario in built-up areas. Whereas the critical points from the analysis of the ground station mission were the limited transmission power on board and the few minutes per satellite pass, as regards the point of view of the ground station location, the critical points were the data set required for the satellite tracking software and the spatial position of the ground station. In this context, the approach adopted was the selection of the most adequate framework. Firstly, the ground station scenario was recreated by updating information regarding the satellite visibility times from the location site and by generating the 3D digital model of the ground station location. Secondly, through the analysis of the current state of the available satellite access times from the ground station site by applying the satellite mission simulation software. Finally, development of a swift data post-processing method for an in-situ preliminary analysis of the ground station location site by simulating the antenna customized elevation mask. In this thesis, an analysis model is presented as a contribution to optimize ground stations locations in built-up areas. The model stages have been developed to provide the best solution for the possible case scenarios considering; ground station mission requirements and facility constraints as the main location factors in the analysis process within these urban enviroments, and; application of results of 3D visualization techniques as useful tools in the decision taking process when different professionals are involved in the project. In addition, this thesis describes the theoretical models applyied in the analysis of three possible ground station case scenarios which correspond with; the given location site scenario in the case study at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM); site selection scenario within a selected location in the case study at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), and; location site selection scenario within a location area in the case study at The Catholic University of America (CUA). The main goal obtained from the framework experimentation in these case scenarios was the design of the measurement set-up when using different technologies of data capturing sensors, in particular, the antenna support designed in the case study at Cal Poly University that allowed transforming the signal spectrum measurements into azimuth and elevation parameters. Finally, this thesis concludes with the validation of the analysis model proposed to optimize ground station locations in built-up areas since the model stages have been validated in each case study implementation, and the research objectives established from the analysis of the research problem have been achieved in the possible case scenarios analyzed.