Two essential inputs at this level are simple radio transceiver characteristics and 'flat' map of the area.
This fairly simplistic approach allows for a quick analysis of the number of sites that may be required to cover a certain area.
This requires precise and accurate characterization of every transceiver and detailed, three-dimensional model of the terrain.
Thus, its use, in conjunction with the RF link budget, produces a more accurate determination of the number of sites required.
This stage includes items such as collecting drive data to be used to tune or calibrate the propagation prediction model, predicting the available data throughout each site, fine-tuning of parameter settings (e.g. antenna orientation, downtilting, frequency plan).