dard Metropolitan Statistical Areas, (3) other populated areas, (4) marshlands, (5) perennially flooded lands, (6) military reservations, (7) national recreation areas, (8) interstate highways, (9) navigable waterways, (10) designated habitats of endangered species, (11) topography unacceptable, (12) atomic energy commission lands, and (13), (14), and (15) lands excluded by three dimensions of electromagnetic compatibility problems. The overlaying of these 15 variables created a map showing those grid cells eliminated as rectenna sites; the remaining grid cells were considered as “eligible1' areas. The results of this initial overlay mapping are shown in figure 1. A table describing the mapped information is shown in figure 2. In figure 1, 40% of the Continental United States remains "eligible" for rectenna sites. This map was subjected to an accuracy check. A random sample of 180 excluded cells and 180 "eligible" cells was selected for detailed investigation. This examination showed that the 180 excluded cells were accurately excluded, but it also revealed that many so-called "eligible" cells should be reclassified as excluded when more detailed information is utilized. This result was expected due to the use of maps that presented data at the national scale.Twenty-four percent of the "eligible" cells were subject to reclassification based on more detailed information for exclusion variables other than topography. A detailed consideration of the topographic constraint proved difficult, however. Previous design studies indicated that a rectenna could be constructed wherever a bulldozer could go, a rather vague criteria. Detailed consideration of topography led to the discovery of significant cost increases as the slope of the land increased. Consequently, three additional topographic gradations were mapped and examined in light of slope constraints intended to represent cost increases in excess of $250 million. These three classes of land form were then analyzed in detail, leading to the finding that 4% of the "flatlands" were ineligible, 33% of the "mostly flatlands" were ineligible, and 76% of the "residual" lands were ineligible. Of course, these areas could become elegible if one is willing to accept additional costs beyond the $250 million threshold. Four additional overlay maps were developed in this study. These added other variables to the map shown in figure 1. The "worst case" summary map added 13 potential exclusion variables to the 15 absolute exclusion variables. This map indicated 17% to the Continental United States to be "eligible." Although siting problems will be encountered and certain areas of the United States may have less "eligible" land than is desirable, our study indicates that rectenna siting will not represent an insurmountable problem if the Satellite Power System were to be implemented.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==