[BC] Coverage Maps

[Mark Humphrey]

On 2/22/07, Bailey, Scott <sbailey at nespower.com> wrote:
> Mark,
>    I have found that Radio-Locator's maps are not very accurate and the
> main red circle is mis interpreted by many. The red circle is not the 5
> mv/M.  It is suppose to represent the 2.5 mv/M contour.
>

Then the sales department should be very happy!

Someone should start an online collection of misleading coverage maps.
 I've seen a few that completely disregard signal coverage, but
instead, show the "area of marketing influence" or "area from where
phone calls and lettters have been received".

Many of you may remember when the FCC had an official policy that
required stations to disclose the possibility of interference if any
coverage outside the normally-protected contour was claimed.  One of
the few maps that still includes this statement is WAWZ's:

http://www.star991fm.com/star_coverage.html

However, WUSL, a full Class B on a first-adjacent channel, pretty much
wipes out WAWZ's coverage within 30 miles of Philadelphia (and IBOC
hasn't helped) so even with the disclaimer, this map is still too
optimistic.

Perhaps the most realistic coverage map I've found is on the Radio
Paradise website.  It's a flash map and takes a few seconds to load,
but if you mouse over the dots, you'll see exactly where their
listeners are located.  The wonders of IP radio!

http://www.radioparadise.com/RP_flash_map.php?show=cities_24&size=&x=1172155018

Mark