Spatially Consistent Air-to-Ground Channel Modeling and Simulation via 3D Shadow Projections

TL;DR

This paper introduces a fast, spatially consistent A2G channel model using 3D shadow projections to accurately simulate urban propagation for UAV networks, aiding in 6G link planning.

Contribution

It presents a novel semi-deterministic model combining LOS-aware path loss with stochastic shadow fading using 3D building projections, improving urban radio map generation.

Findings

Model accurately reflects urban LOS blockage patterns.

Efficient alternative to ray tracing for radio map generation.

Suitable for mobility-aware channel evaluation in 6G networks.

Abstract

We present an approach for spatially-consistent semi-deterministic Air-to-Ground (A2G) channel modeling in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-assisted networks. We use efficient 3D building shadow projections to determine Line-of-Sight (LOS) regions, enabling fast generation of LOS maps. By integrating LOS-aware deterministic path loss with stochastic shadow fading, the approach produces spatially consistent A2G radio maps suitable for environment- and mobility-aware channel evaluation and performance prediction. Simulation results in ITU-compliant Manhattan grid environments demonstrate the model's ability to reflect key urban propagation characteristics, such as LOS blockage patterns and outage behavior. The proposed approach provides an efficient alternative to ray tracing or fully stochastic models, with particular relevance for user mobility, link planning, and radio map generation in 6G non-terrestrial networks.