Reaction Paper: Earth Bulge As discussed in our lecture earth bulge is a term in telecommunications, which refers to the circular

segment of earth profile which blocks off long distance communications. This is a factor that affects the design of path profile of a LOS telecommunications. Earth bulge can be mathematically expressed by:

Figure 1 R is the radius of the Earth, h is the height of the transmitter (exaggerated), d is the line of sight distance The local height of the Earth bulge (h) is dependent on the k-value. The parameter h is very important for clearance purposes. The local height of the Earth bulge is inversely proportional to the earth-radius factor. For high k-values, the Earth surface is close to a plane surface while for low k-values the Earth surface becomes more curved and may penetrate the radio path.

Figure 2 Earth bulge consideration in LOS design K is the equivalent earth radius factor. It is also the radio refractive index of the atmosphere which is governed by the combination of atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity.

Figure 3 Effective earth Radius (refraction)

Path Profile We discussed partially the path profile of an LOS design. A path profile or a topographic profile is a two-dimensional cross sectional view of the landscape. It provides a side view of the relief of the terrain along a line drawn between two locations on a topographic map.

Figure 4 Example of Elevation profile used in Path Profiling A topographic map is a type of map characterized by large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief, usually using contour lines in modern mapping, but historically using a variety of methods. Traditional definitions require a topographic map to show both natural and man-made features. A topographic map is typically published as a map series, made up of two or more map sheets that combine to form the whole map. A contour line is a combination of two line segments that connect but do not intersect; these represent elevation on a topographic map.

Figure 5 Example of Topographical Map It is possible to plot the elevation profile of a path (line) or a track in the newer version of Google Earth (v. 5.2). For example, after drawing a path, right click on the path name in the Places panel and click "Show Elevation Profile", or go to the Edit menu on the top menu bar and choose "Show Elevation Profile" from the drop-down menu. You can change the measurement units from metric to English and vice versa from Tools -> Options, in the "Show Elevation" category. However, apparently there is no option for setting the value of vertical exaggeration or having an option for changing the scales on horizontal or vertical axis at this time.

Figure 6 Elevation profile using Google Earth