Enhancing a Telecommunications GIS App for Capacity Planning and Network Performance Visualisation

Abstract

Telecommunications networks require effective tools for visualising and managing spatial network information. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can support this by linking network elements with location data and technical attributes. However, an existing telecommunications GIS application required further enhancement to improve how telecom-specific parameters are displayed, interpreted, exported, and aligned with database-related workflows.

This research project enhanced an existing telecommunications GIS application for capacity planning and network performance visualisation. The work continued from Part 1 of this research project, where Tower ID, Channel ID, Cell ID, and RSCP were introduced. In the final stage, these parameters were refined through improvements to the selected node panel, coordinate display, signal quality interpretation, CSV export/import workflow, and database alignment. Additional fields, including Operator ID and Band, were also added to improve network record classification.

A design-oriented development methodology was used. The existing system was reviewed, enhancement requirements were identified, and targeted improvements were implemented in the interface, data model, signal quality logic, CSV workflow, and database-related structure. Functional testing and usability observations were then used to evaluate the enhanced application.

The results show that the enhanced system provides a clearer side panel for selected node information, including geographic coordinates, telecommunications identifiers, operator information, band information, and RSCP-based signal quality status. The CSV export workflow preserved the enhanced fields, supporting better traceability between the interface and exported records. Database alignment was confirmed for the core MariaDB mps_data fields, including Tower ID, Cell ID, Channel ID, and RSCP, while Operator ID and Band remain future database extensions.

Overall, the project demonstrates that practical GIS application enhancement can improve the usability and analytical value of telecommunications planning tools. The enhanced system provides a stronger foundation for future capacity planning, network inspection, reporting, and performance visualisation.