Site Survey Documentation and Utilities
Site drawing and walkthrough

Site Drawing
As listed in Figure , be sure to have a good set of paper copy prints for the walkthrough and site survey to annotate any notes and mark coverage areas. If a set of blueprints/drawing from the customer is requested, remember to allow two to three weeks for them to obtain copies. Digital drawings are best for transferring information into a report at a later date.

Site Walkthrough
This critical step will help define the areas of coverage and blind spots in the facility. The customer should conduct the walkthrough and acknowledge any requirements or concerns. A site walkthrough is also useful to locate any possible sources of radio frequency interference (RFI), electro-magnetic interference (EMI), environmental, or construction issues by looking for other antennas or high-voltage electrical motors. Some elements of the environment that define the possible coverage for the area include the following:

  • Other WLANs
  • High voltage electrical motors
  • Corrugated steel walls or ceilings
  • Amount of rebar in the concrete
  • Metal oxide window tinting
  • Inventory such as materials and supplies

Build a site layout based on the drawings identifying the coverage desired and issues found on the walkthrough.