A Parabolic Equation Method Based on DEM for Propagation Over Terrain

In this paper, the wide-angle parabolic equation (WAPE) method is applied on propagation predictions over the irregular terrain obtained from digital elevation model. Starting from a parabolic approximation to the Helmholtz equation, a parabolic equation can be deduced and the split-step Fourier transform algorithm is adopted to solve it. Besides, the terrain is assumed to be perfectly conducting and the piecewise linear shift map technique is used to flatten the boundary. The absorbing boundary condition is also studied to avoid the reflections from calculation boundaries. Finally, in order to verify the accuracy of the WAPE method, several numerical simulations are made and the results are compared with that of the Advanced Refractive Effects Prediction System. As a result, good agreements are observed.