Accuracy & data sources
Waveshed is built for fast planning and comparison. Knowing what goes into it tells you how far to trust any single result.
Terrain
Elevation comes from a global digital elevation model (Mapzen Terrarium), at roughly 30 m. The resolution you choose can’t out-resolve the source — the finest options are marked with an asterisk because they’re limited by the underlying data (around 3 m at best, depending on latitude).
Models
Visibility is computed geometrically; RF uses ITM / Longley-Rice. These are widely used, well-understood models — but they are still models. See LOS vs RF for what each does.
What isn’t captured
Individual buildings (unless you include them), trees and foliage, reflections and multipath, and weather effects such as ducting aren’t modelled. So coverage can be optimistic in built-up or wooded areas — verify critical links in the field.
Maps & place search
Basemaps come from OpenStreetMap, OpenTopoMap, CARTO, Esri and OpenFreeMap; place search is powered by Geoapify (OSM data). Full credits are on the attribution page.