Mapping cellular coverage suitability: a GIS-Based approach to identifying poor service areas

Cellular coverage is a critical component of modern telecommunications, providing essential services for communication, commerce, and emergency response. Despite its importance, many regions, particularly those with challenging terrain or low population density, experience inadequate cellular service. This study focuses on the commune of Laghouat, Algeria, employing a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) to assess cellular coverage suitability. Using ArcGIS Pro, four key factors were integrated: cell tower locations, terrain elevation, population distribution, and restricted areas. The methodology includes performing a Viewshed analysis to identify dead zones, converting population data into raster format to map demand, and digitizing restricted areas where telecommunication infrastructure development is prohibited. All factors were standardized to a common scale to ensure comparability and a weighted overlay analysis was conducted to generate a comprehensive suitability map. The map highlights areas of poor cellular coverage, guiding the placement of new infrastructure. Additionally, the research considers regulatory restrictions on land use, ensuring compliance with governmental policies. The resulting suitability map provides valuable insights for telecommunications providers and policymakers, enabling them to target underserved regions for infrastructure improvements while adhering to legal constraints. This study offers a robust, scalable framework for identifying and addressing cellular coverage gaps, applicable to other regions with similar geographic and demographic challenges.