Path loss models are essential in the planning of wireless networks. However, the peculiar ambient characteristics of geographical locations necessitate a wide range of these models to take into consideration the different terrain dielectric, scattering irregularities, and clutter. This study investigates the effects of terrain and clutter on frequency‐dependent path loss models in the very high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) bands using multi‐transmitter scenarios. Seven transmitters and 15 measurement routes were covered using an Agilent N9342C spectrum analyser. The measured results show that the models' prediction errors (PEs) follow the terrain profile and also that the clutter effects are noticeable along each route with varying degrees of impact. Near constant standard deviation errors (SDEs) were observed across all the models for the specific routes as well as a strong dependency on the terrain profile and clutters along the measurement routes. The UHF and VHF bands have average SDEs of 10.5 and 7.5 dB, respectively. A three‐dimensional digital elevation model (DEM) showing the terrain and PE was also developed. Contour lines were extracted from the advanced spaceborne thermal emission radiometer and global DEM data sets. Visualisation of the terrain profile was achieved in the ArcScene software environment.

In this work, signal path loss prediction from nine different empirical path loss models were statistically compared with those measured from four television transmitters along five routes that span through urban and rural environments of Osun State, Nigeria. In this respect, results obtained show that both Hata and Davidson prediction models provide best fit prediction consistently along the five measurement routes with 90% to 98% prediction accuracy, Ilorin, CCIR, Cost 231, Ericsson 9999 and ECC-33 show prediction accuracy within the range of 65% to 80% while SUI and Okumura models offer prediction accuracy within the range of 15% to 21%. Generally the results show that Davidson and Hata models have better results in all the five routes examined. SUI and Okumura models show the least performance results.

In this work, the performance of eight prominent empirical path loss models and a localized model, in predicting path losses in build up areas is investigated. Multi electromagnetic field strength measurements were conducted, using a dedicated spectrum analyzer, along five predefined routes in Osun State, Nigeria. The measured data were compared with the model predictions. Path profile and terrain undulations effects have been observed on the received signal. For all the routes and trans models over predicted the path losses, while Ericsson model under predicted the losses. However, Hata, Davidson, Cost 231 and ILORIN models generally show promising results with varying performance. The average mean error values of 55 dB, -28.16 dB, -8.93 dB, -30.59 dB, -22.95 dB and OSOGBO transmitter for Okumra, Hata, SUI, Cost 231, CCIR, Davidson, Ericsson, EEC and ILORIN models. In terms of RMSE, the av 9.18 dB were obtained for ILORIN, Hata and Davidson models found to be similar for other transmitters i.e. OSBC, NDTV and NTA Ile Ife with varying performances among the four contending performance for the two main contending models i.e. ILORIN and Hata models. Inconsistency in terms of the performance for each model were observed, however the localized model i.e. ILORIN was found to provide optimum path loss prediction with considerable accuracy, over the other models. With the aforementioned, we believe the results and observations presented would provide guide to radio system engineers in making informed choices on the applicability and predictability of such models in the terrain of Osun State and other similar build Nigeria.