A novel time-domain wave propagator is introduced. A two-dimensional (2-D) finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm is used to analyze ground wave propagation characteristics. Assuming an azimuthal symmetry, surface, and/or elevated ducts are represented via transverse and/or longitudinal refractivity and boundary perturbations in 2-D space. The 2-D FDTD space extends from x=0 (bottom) to x/spl rarr//spl infin/ (top), vertically and from z/spl rarr/-/spl infin/ (left) to z/spl rarr//spl infin/ (right), horizontally. Perfectly matched layer (PML) blocks on the left, right, and top terminate the FDTD computation space to simulate a semi-open propagation region. The ground at the bottom is simulated either as a perfectly electrical conductor (PEC) or as a lossy second medium. A desired, initial vertical field profile, which has a pulse character in time, is injected into the FDTD computation space. The PML blocks absorb field components that propagate towards left and top. The ground wave components (i.e., the direct, ground-reflected and surface waves) are traced longitudinally toward the right. The longitudinal propagation region is covered by a finite-sized FDTD computation space as if the space slides from left to right until the pulse propagates to a desired range. Transverse or longitudinal field profiles are obtained by accumulating the time-domain response at each altitude of range and by applying the discrete Fourier transformation (DFT) at various frequencies.