FAQ

A telecom project requires at minimum a Digital Terrain Model (DTM), a Digital Height Model (DHM), and Digital Land Use (DLU) layers. Additionally, data on buildings, vegetation, water bodies enhance simulation accuracy.

Telecom geographic data | DTM DHM DSM DLU | Mobile radio coverage planning

Telecom-optimized geographic data is structured and enriched to enable accurate modeling of radio wave propagation. It includes dedicated structure, and metadata, specific surface type segmentation and land-use clutter definition, consistent layers as well as precise heights. Besides, dedicated priority rules are applied when processing the clutter. Standard GIS data may lack consistency or freshness for radio use.

Telecom-optimized data |  Radio geodata | Mobile wave propagation.

Is specific geospatial data necessary for rural telecom areas? Not always. In rural zones, medium-resolution layers (5–10 m) may suffice for 4G or long-range IoT networks (LoRa, NB-IoT). However, in complex topographies (mountains, dense forests), customized geodata can significantly enhance radio performance.

Rural telecom geodata | LoRa NB-IoT radio data | Topographic modeling

Quality geodata optimize sites selection and reduce planning errors, it limits field redeployments, and improves service quality. This translates to time savings, CAPEX reduction, and enhanced customer satisfaction. A direct ROI is often observed during network design and optimization phases.

Telecom geodata ROI |  Radio data profitability | Mobile coverage optimization.

Timelines vary based on area size and detail level. Customized production typically takes 2 to 8 weeks. Siradel can deliver faster if some data already exists or for priority projects.

Geodata production time | Telecom data delivery | Rapid geospatial production

Higher resolution allows finer modeling of signal/environment interactions, improving coverage prediction, handover quality, and overall network performance (especially in urban 5G). Conversely, insufficient resolution can cause unexpected shadow zones.

5G Geodata resolution |  Mobile coverage quality | Radio propagation performance

Common mistakes include using outdated data, mismatched to network type (e.g., indoor vs. outdoor), ignoring the source imagery from which the geodata is derived, overlooking heights or surface types, or underestimating the need for compatible formats. Always take into account data consistency, validate metadata and quality checks.

Telecom Geodata errors |Radio planning pitfalls | Mobile radio data checklist

To receive a geodata telecom quote, please provide the following key details:

• Area of interest: geographic location and surface coverage
• Intended application: for example, coverage map calculation in a specific district
• Type of geodata needed: 2D, 3D, vector format, etc.

With these inputs, we can deliver a detailed and customized quotation suited to your project needs.

Quality validation involves geometric accuracy checks (e.g. RMS error), vertical accuracy of elevation models, topological consistency, inter-layer consistency, and manual or automated controls (e.g. GIS overlays, visual inspections, or comparison with reference data).

Telecom geodata validation | DTM DSM accuracy check | Geospatial quality control

High-quality DTMs for telecom applications typically achieve vertical accuracies of ±1–2 meters in rural areas and ±0.5 m in urban zones. The accuracy depends on the data source (e.g., LiDAR, stereo imagery) and post-processing applied.

DTM accuracy for telecom | Elevation data precision | 5G terrain modeling

Vegetation can attenuate or diffract signals (especially at high frequencies), while buildings cause reflection, diffraction, and shadowing. Accurately modeling these elements is crucial, particularly for mmWave and urban 5G deployment.

Radio Wave attenuation | Vegetation Impact 5G | Building Interference Modeling

Update frequency depends on the region’s urban evolution. Highly dynamic cities may require updates every 2-3 years, while rural or stable zones can be updated less often. Siradel offers on-demand update services or scheduled revisions.

Telecom GIS update | Geographic Data refresh | 5G urban modeling updates

Telecom geodata is usually delivered in formats like PLANET, GEOTIFF, MAPINFO, SHAPEFILE depending on the planning software. Siradel supports both standard GIS formats and formats specific to Atoll, Planet, iBwave, and others. Each dataset is projected in an referred geographical coordinate system (EPSG).

Geodata Formats telecom | Atoll-compatible | GIS Data export mobile

Absolutely. LiDAR provides highly accurate elevation and object height data, ideal for modeling buildings, trees, and street clutter. It’s particularly valuable for 5G urban projects, although it requires skilled post-processing. The acquisition date must however be recent.

LiDAR survey telecom data | 3D elevation mapping | mmWave geosatial modeling

Telecom geodata can be integrated into software such as Siradel Planner or InoWave, Forsk Atoll, Infovista Planet, iBwave, Ranplan, and Mentum Ellipse. Siradel ensures compatibility with all major radio planning and GIS environments

Atoll compatible geodata | Planet radio modeling | Telecom GIS integration

Yes. High-resolution indoor maps and building structures can be integrated in Siradel Planner for indoor DAS or small cell modeling. If needed, Siradel offers conversion services for hybrid indoor/outdoor map data.

iBwave building data | Indoor telecom modeling | DAS 5G planning

Using incorrect projections or mismatched coordinate systems (e.g. WGS84-UTM vs. WGS84-lat/lon) can cause offsets and simulation errors. Always verify that geodata aligns with the radio tool’s spatial reference system

Telecom geodata coordinate systems | GIS projection error | UTM WGS84 planning

Yes. High-resolution indoor maps and building structures can be integrated in Siradel Planner for indoor DAS or small cell modeling. If needed, Siradel offers conversion services for hybrid indoor/outdoor map data.

iBwave building data | Indoor telecom modeling | DAS 5G planning

Siradel combines 30+ years of telecom modeling experience with advanced data production capabilities. Our telecom-optimized datasets are validated, multi-format, and trusted by Tier-1 operators and governments worldwide.

Telecom geodata provider | Siradel Radio Data | 5G planning expert

Open data often lacks vertical accuracy, reliable object classification, inter-layer consistency or up-to-date details. Siradel offers verified, telecom-ready data that reduces modeling errors and deployment costs.

Open data vs. telecom data | Siradel accuracy | Premium geodata benefits

Siradel provides global coverage, local expertise, and multilingual support. Our scalable production system delivers consistent quality across continents, ideal for operators rolling out 4G/5G networks in multiple regions.

Global telecom geodata | International 5G mapping | Siradel Worldwide coverage

Open data often lacks vertical accuracy, reliable object classification, inter-layer consistency or up-to-date details. Siradel offers verified, telecom-ready data that reduces modeling errors and deployment costs.

Open data vs. telecom data | Siradel accuracy | Premium geodata benefits