Scouting and Evaluating Deployment Locations

Proper preparation is essential for a smooth and efficient Silvanet deployment, and it begins with scouting your site.
Before creating your plan, visit the area to gather real-world information that isn’t visible on maps. Observations made during scouting ensure accurate planning, prevent connectivity or installation challenges, and set the foundation for a successful deployment.

1. Site Visit & Assessment

A site visit (where possible) helps you validate map data and identify environmental and logistical factors that affect deployment.

• Terrain and vegetation: Observe slopes, valleys, and vegetation density that may influence accessibility or coverage.

• High human-use or high-risk areas: Identify trails, campsites, roads, or locations with past fire activity or critical assets you wish to protect.

• Physical obstacles: Note large rocks, dense stands of trees, or man-made structures not visible on maps that could block connectivity or restrict installation.

2. Environmental & Installation Factors

Note key environmental details that influence where devices can safely and effectively be installed.

• Tree health and suitability: Assess trees for stability and height if they may serve as mounting points.

• Accessibility: Confirm personnel can safely reach all potential device locations and identify areas that may require special equipment or additional planning.

• Safety considerations: Note any areas with limited access, steep terrain, or potential hazards that could affect deployment or maintenance.

3. Power and Connectivity Indicators

While the Planning Tool manages design and coverage, scouting helps you confirm real-world power and connectivity options.

• Solar exposure: Identify clearings or elevated areas with reliable sunlight for solar-powered devices.

• Mains power / LAN availability: Note any nearby infrastructure where PoE or LAN connectivity might be possible for fixed installations.

• Cellular coverage: Check for LTE-M / NB-IoT signal strength using available maps or simple on-site testing if feasible. Note areas with poor or uncertain coverage.

4. Gateway and Sensor Suitability Checks

Evaluate conditions that may affect device mounting, stability, and overall network performance.

• Mounting points: Identify strong trees or poles suitable for Border Gateway installation.

• Obstructions: Note any unexpected barriers that could reduce connectivity between gateways and sensors.

• Environmental exposure: Consider shading, water runoff, or extreme conditions that might affect device performance or longevity.

Summary

Scouting the site before planning allows you to validate assumptions, identify challenges, and gather details not visible on maps, such as terrain obstacles, access limitations, and connectivity conditions. This preparation ensures that when you move into the planning phase, your deployment design will be both practical and field-ready.