SPLAT!
GNU GPL-licensed tool for Longley-Rice path loss and coverage prediction.
SPLAT! (an acronym for RF Signal Propagation, Loss, And Terrain analysis tool) is a terrestrial radio propagation model application released under the GNU GPL. It was originally developed for Linux and later ported to Windows and OS X. The software uses the Longley-Rice path loss and coverage prediction method, based on the Irregular Terrain Model, to analyze the behavior and reliability of radio links and to calculate path loss.
When working with SRTM topographic data, filenames indicate the latitude and longitude of the southwest corner of the dataset. This means the area of interest must lie north and east of the coordinates given in the filename.
Development of SPLAT! began in 1997 by John A. Magliacane, KD2BD. The most recent release, version 1.4.2, came out in 2014. In 2020, a group of developers started work on a completely rewritten version, which has not yet been published. This new version introduces multithreading, georeferenced outputs (GeoTIFF), and metrication as default settings.
- Developer
- John A. Magliacane, KD2BD
- Initial release
- 1997
- Latest version
- 1.4.2 (2014)
- License
- GNU GPL
- Platforms
- Linux, Windows, OS X
Lore & Background
Development of SPLAT! began in 1997 by John A. Magliacane, KD2BD. The latest version, 1.4.2, was published in 2014. In 2020, several authors started development of a completely reworked version that was not yet published; this version introduces multithreading, georeferenced outputs (GeoTIFF), and metrication as defaults. SRTM filenames used by SPLAT! refer to the latitude and longitude of the southwest corner of the topographic dataset, so the region of interest must lie north and east of those coordinates.
Reader's Guide
SPLAT! has become a notable tool in amateur radio and professional RF planning due to its use of the Longley-Rice Irregular Terrain Model for realistic path loss predictions. Its open-source GNU GPL license has allowed portability across operating systems and community contributions. The 2020 rework, though unpublished, signals ongoing interest in modernizing the software with multithreading and GeoTIFF support. Online interfaces, such as the W5GFE SignalServer and a microwave radio path analysis CGI covering the United States, have extended its accessibility to a global user base. The tool's ability to predict radio link behavior and reliability makes it a reference for both hobbyists and engineers evaluating terrestrial propagation.
Did You Know?
- It uses the Longley-Rice path loss model with the Irregular Terrain Model.
- SRTM filenames indicate the southwest corner of the topographic dataset.
- A completely reworked version introducing multithreading and GeoTIFF was started in 2020 but not yet published.
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