Locating Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) Base Stations Using Geographic Information System (GIS)

Abstract

The global system for mobile communication (GSM) is planned to meet the needs of the whole subscribers. The number of subscribers increased as the population increased due to the acceptance of GSM services by the subscribers. Thus, there should be a way to monitor base stations that will meet the increasing demand of subscribers in any area as a population surge will lead to more subscriptions. This will allow GSM network operators to serve their subscribers better and ease network congestion. This work presents a review of mobile evolution from the first generation to the fifth generation. A review of global positioning system (GPS) technology and its applications to geographic information systems (GIS) was done. The coordinates of these base stations were taken using a GPS device. These base station coordinates were then exported to QGIS for the design of the map. Thereafter, the output map was then integrated into the website. The discussions on the results followed and some useful suggestions given will go a long way to help the operators of GSM in Nigeria and in general. If the propositions given are adhered to, it will go a long way to help the operators reduce congestion on their network and thereby increase the satisfaction of the subscribers.