Satellite communication is exposed to big variations in signal strength due to attenuating or blocking objects in the signal path.This is especially apparent in mobile satellite communication where the antenna is constantly on the move. If a hemispherical video is captured along with the satellite data, a better understanding of what is blocking or attenuating the signal can be achieved. The video can be manually segmented into attenuating objects (vegetation) and blocking objects(buildings or terrain), or an automated system can be made to segment the video automatically. This thesis proposes such a system for segmenting a hemispherical video into line of sight and non-line of sight segments. These are then used to propose a statistical model of probable signal strength at different azimuth and elevation angles in relation to the vehicle and in relation to cardinal directions.

Master's thesis in Cybernetics and signal processing