The latest electromagnetic field prediction models in various propagation environments (urban, rural, indoor) are implemented in a set of software programs: the Italian national model (‘Modello Nazionale’) for long-distance propagation, 3-dimensional Ray-tracing for indoor coverage prediction and 2-dimensional Ray-tracing combined with the roof-top propagation model for urban environment prediction.

These programs are constantly updated, extended and adapted to specific applications. In particular, developments are currently in progress concerning ray-tracing modules, advanced statistical models and scattering models.

Developments of the Italian national model (‘Modello Nazionale’) so it can be extended to the third generation system, UMTS, are also presently being defined. Also the problems linked to data acquisition and relative processing for optimising use of prediction software are of great importance.