IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE) e-ISSN: 2278-2834,p- ISSN: 2278-8735.Volume 16, Issue 5, Ser. I (Sep. – Oct. 2021), PP 15-22 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/2834-1605011522 www.iosrjournals.org 15 | Page Geographic Information System (GIS)-Based Path Loss Model for Southern Nigeria 1 Sibe, R.T, 2 Omijeh. B.O and 3 Biebuma, J.J, 1 Department of Computer Engineering, Rivers State University 2,3 Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Abstract In this paper, Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Path loss models for three locations , namely Ughelli, Odeama Creek and Diebu creek in the Southern Nigeria have been achieved. The risk of manually going to the fields to take measurements of relevant link budget parameters has been drastically reduced by using GIS; and more accurate results with clear visualization from point of operation were also achieved. In this work, a program was written in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to automatically compute the path loss using Cost 231 Hata Model, and display it spatially on an administrative map and satellite imagery (Land Use/Land Cover) using ArcMap 9.0 Application. The outcome of this process was tested to be consistent with results of an earlier study managed in the Southern part of Nigeria. It also exhibits how the high quality visualization and spatial handling capabilities of GIS gives it a great improvement as a path loss modeling tool. The incorporation of GIS into existing path loss analysis applications will thereby be recommended for its accelerated and precise results due to its capability to visualize the terrain and other exceptional facets. Keywords: Southern Nigeria, Geographic Information Systems, Path Loss, Cost 231 Hata, Model --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 20-09-2021 Date of Acceptance: 05-10-2021 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Introduction Radio propagation planning is of a great benefit in any region, as regards wireless network development. With the aid of different mechanisms which include scattering, diffraction and reflection wireless network can be propagated. The power reduction of Electromagnetic ( EM) waves as it propagates through space is known as Path loss (Nwalozie et al, 2013). Path loss is simply the difference between the power transmitted and the power received (Obot, 2011). Path loss plays a key role in the planning of 4G network. It is the attenuation of EM waves as it propagates from one point to the other through space. A Geographic Information System is a structure which comprises of hardware, software and procedures that promote the administration, capitalization, analysis, modeling, representation and display of geo-referenced data to solve complex problems regarding planning and management of resources ( Biebuma and Omijeh, 2013). This system supersedes the regular mapping system. It can execute complex analytical functions and then present the results visually as maps, tables or graphs. These aid decision-makers to practically observe the subject or concerns before them and then select the best course of action. There are various dimensional applications in use such as ArcGIS, MapInfo etc. where the most outstanding of which is the ArcGIS, which originated from the Environmental System Research Institute (ESRI) in Redlands (Prasad and Iqbal, 1997). II. Theoretical Review Models have been postulated considering different factors including geographical terrain, frequency of operation over a given distance. They could be applicable to other environment other than the one that was predicted but most times, they become less accurate. Path loss is a decline in power density of any electromagnetic wave as it propagates through space. Path loss plays a major role in the design and analysis of the link budget of a telecommunication system. Free-space loss, refraction, diffraction, reflection, aperture- medium coupling loss, and absorption are some of the causes of Path loss. Terrain contours, environment, propagation medium, the distance between the transmitter and the receiver, the height and location of antennas also influence Path loss ( Biebuma et al, 2014) According to Neskovic (2000), modern approaches in modeling of mobile radio system and path loss have been undertaken on different environments. COST-231 Hata model devised as an extension to the Hata- Okumura model is an example of the models commonly used for the prediction of path loss in mobile wireless