RADIOGIS: Educational software for learning the calculation of radio electric coverage in wireless communication systems

Abstract

The educational tool RADIOGIS for the calculation of radio electric coverage in wireless communication systems is presented and evaluated. Through such software, students can learn about the calculation of radio electric coverage while at the same time becoming familiar with the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) philosophy, since it is based on ArcGIS, from ESRI. Specific educational software has been used for years to supplement students’ learning in subjects where the planning of radio communication systems is treated. However, they are not usually based on GIS. On the other hand, most of the professional tools used for radio planning are based on GIS. Even though they incorporate the calculation of radio electric coverage as a key element for the planning and optimization of radio communication systems, they are not usually oriented toward teaching. The educational interest of RADIOGIS consists of the incorporation of five practice exercises with their corresponding instructions, which guide students in carrying them out. Sixty-four students tested the tool for a total of 320 hr of experimentation. A survey was completed between two different groups of students, who were asked to rate RADIOGIS features, acceptance, and usability. In terms of teaching and learning in the calculation of radio electric coverage for the planning of radio communication systems and GIS, both groups claimed to have greater knowledge after working with the tool, especially students from the last courses.