01Baseline
Band Occupancy
Observe frequency use across the bands and time windows that matter to the event.
- Peak and median activity
- Time-dependent behavior
- Known and unknown signals
Advance spectrum site surveys
Characterize the RF environment before the event.
Build a geotagged baseline of occupancy, noise floor, potential interferers, and model-calibration evidence while there is still time to adjust the operating plan.
GeotaggedLocation and timestamp tied to each relevant observation
RepeatableInstrument and antenna settings recorded for interpretation
CalibratedEquipment state and known losses documented
ActionableFindings translated into frequency, placement, and test decisions
Survey coverage
Site-survey scope
The survey plan is built around the radios, bands, site, event schedule, and the modeling questions the survey must answer.
02Environment
Noise-Floor Mapping
Compare representative locations, antenna heights, orientations, and platform positions.
- Fixed and mobile points
- Hotspot comparison
- Candidate launch/GCS sites
03Compatibility
Potential Interferers
Document signals and locations requiring coordination or deeper analysis.
- Co-band observations
- Adjacent-band activity
- Follow-up hypotheses
04Correlation
Model Calibration
Use measured link or field observations to refine propagation and site assumptions when included.
- Measured-versus-modeled
- Adjusted assumptions
- Updated risk products
Workflow
Survey planning and field workflow
Define the questions
Identify the bands, systems, planned positions, route, event time, and acceptance decisions.
Build the collection plan
Select locations, dwell times, antennas, spans, settings, and environmental observations.
Collect and document
Capture geotagged evidence with calibration state, losses, settings, time, and operator notes.
Analyze and update
Compare the observations with the desktop model and deliver prioritized mitigations.
Measurement record
Measurement records and traceability
| Evidence field | Why it matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Time and location | Allows correlation with site activity, position, terrain, and event schedule. | UTC/local timestamp, latitude/longitude, height, route point |
| RF chain | Converts instrument display values into interpretable field observations. | Antenna factor/gain, polarization, cable loss, preamp/attenuator |
| Instrument state | Makes comparisons repeatable and prevents hidden measurement bias. | Calibration date, RBW, VBW, detector, dwell, reference level |
| Signal observation | Separates persistent, intermittent, and event-dependent activity. | Center frequency, occupied span, peak/median level, duty behavior |
| Environmental context | Explains geometry and local effects that the terrain database may not contain. | Buildings, foliage, vehicles, obstructions, temporary emitters |
Deliverables
Survey deliverables
Survey plan and collection matrixLocations, bands, settings, timing, responsibilities, and decision criteria.
Geotagged observation setOrganized data, screenshots or traces, logs, and field notes as scoped.
Occupancy and noise summaryObserved activity, quiet windows, persistent signals, and site-to-site comparisons.
Potential interference registerSignals or locations requiring coordination, avoidance, or deeper investigation.
Measured-model comparisonUpdated assumptions and calibration findings when link measurements are included.
Survey findings briefRecommended channels, positions, timing, mitigations, and remaining uncertainty.
Questions
Survey planning and access requirements
How far ahead should the survey occur?
Early enough to analyze results and change the plan, but close enough that the site's RF environment is representative. For complex events, 30–60 days before execution is often a useful planning target.
Does a passive survey reveal every future interferer?
No. It characterizes the environment during the sampled locations and times. The report states the observation window and remaining uncertainty.
Can you survey restricted ranges or facilities?
Potentially, after access, escort, equipment, security, data-handling, and photography restrictions are defined and approved by the site authority.
Do you provide raw data?
Raw or processed files can be included when the formats, volume, ownership, and handling requirements are defined in the proposal.
Schedule the survey before the operating plan is fixed
Send the location, date window, bands, radio list, planned operating points, and the decision the survey must support.