Transforming Connectivity in Tembisa, South Africa - How Wireless Internet Providers Use Drone Surveys for Infrastructure Planning
- Charlie Wijnberg
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Access to reliable internet remains a challenge in many low-income areas around the world. In Tembisa, South Africa, a wireless internet provider took on the task of improving communications infrastructure to bridge the digital divide. Their approach combined advanced surveying techniques with smart technology to design a network that meets the community’s needs efficiently and effectively. This blog post explores how digital surface models (DSM) and high-resolution orthomosaic surveys played a crucial role in planning point-to-point wireless connections, overcoming challenges, and creating a user-friendly system for potential clients.
Challenges in Establishing Point-to-Point Wireless Connections
Wireless internet providers rely heavily on line-of-sight (LOS) between transmission points to ensure strong and stable connections. In Tembisa, the terrain and dense housing posed significant obstacles:
Irregular terrain: Hills and uneven ground can block signals or cause interference.
Dense housing clusters: Closely packed buildings create obstacles and signal reflections.
Limited infrastructure: Few existing towers or poles to mount equipment.
Economic constraints: Budget limits require precise planning to avoid costly trial and error.
These factors made it essential to have a detailed understanding of the landscape before installing any equipment. Traditional maps or satellite images lacked the accuracy needed to plan reliable routes for wireless signals.
The Role of DSM and Orthomosaic Drone Surveys in Infrastructure Planning
To address these challenges, the provider commissioned a survey using drone based LiDAR technology to capture a digital surface model (DSM) and a high-resolution orthomosaic of the area. Here’s why these tools were vital:
Digital Surface Model (DSM): This 3D representation includes all natural and man-made features on the surface, such as buildings, trees, and terrain elevations. It provides precise height data critical for calculating signal paths and potential obstructions.
Orthomosaic: A detailed, geometrically corrected aerial image stitched from multiple photos. It offers a clear, high-resolution view of rooftops, streets, and open spaces, helping planners identify suitable locations for towers and antennas.
Together, these datasets allowed the team to visualize the environment in three dimensions and plan wireless routes with confidence.
Creating a Database for Line-of-Sight Queries
Using the DSM and orthomosaic data, the provider built a comprehensive database to support line-of-sight (LOS) queries. This database stores terrain and building heights, enabling quick calculations of whether a direct wireless signal path exists between any two points.
This approach brought several benefits:
Speed: Instant LOS checks without physical site visits.
Accuracy: Reliable predictions based on up-to-date terrain and building data.
Scalability: Ability to assess thousands of potential client locations efficiently.
Cost savings: Reduced need for expensive field surveys and equipment repositioning.
The database became a powerful tool for both the provider and potential customers.
User Interface for Clients to Check LOS
To make this technology accessible, the provider developed an easy-to-use online interface. Potential clients can enter their address or GPS coordinates and instantly see if they have a clear line of sight to the nearest wireless tower.
Key features of the interface include:
Address input: Simple form to enter location details.
Visual feedback: Map displays showing LOS status with color-coded indicators.
Signal path visualization: Optional 3D views of the signal route over terrain and buildings.
Instant results: No waiting time or need for on-site visits.
Guidance for installation: Recommendations on antenna placement if LOS is available.
This tool empowers residents to check connectivity options themselves, speeding up the onboarding process and improving customer satisfaction.
Impact on the Community and Future Prospects
By using DSM and orthomosaic surveys, the wireless internet provider has laid the groundwork for a more connected Tembisa. The precise planning reduced installation errors and downtime, ensuring faster deployment of services. Residents in this low-income area now have better access to affordable internet, opening doors to education, business, and communication opportunities.
Looking ahead, this model can be replicated in other underserved communities facing similar challenges. The combination of detailed terrain data and user-friendly technology creates a blueprint for expanding connectivity where it is needed most.
Reliable internet access is essential for social and economic development. The example of Tembisa shows how combining advanced surveying methods with practical tools can overcome physical and financial barriers. Wireless providers who invest in accurate terrain models and interactive LOS databases can plan smarter networks, reduce costs, and bring meaningful change to communities.
