Spatial sampling requirements for Received Signal Level measurements in cellular networks

A method for determination of a required spatial resolution in the collection of the Received Signal Level (RSL) is discussed. The method treats RSL measurements as a three dimensional surface that is sampled through the data collection process. Using 2-D Fourier analysis the cutoff frequency for the Fourier transform of the RSL surface is determined. The cutoff frequency and the spatial sampling resolution are related through Nyquist sampling criterion. The approach was experimentally verified in a typical suburban environment. The results show that spatial resolution requirement is between 50 and 100m.