At the outset of site characterisation, the site is divided into one of three basic site types, depending on the information that is available for the site:

• Site type 1.  Enough information is available in the network operator's databases to perform a complete site assessment.
  
  
  
• Site type 2.  The majority of information required for site assessment is available in the network operator's databases and minimal additional information has to be gathered.  A surveying team visits the site to gather the necessary information.  More detail...
  
  
  
• Site type 3.  Some information is present in the network operator's database and significant amounts of additional information is required.  A surveying team visits the site to gather information and uses the site definition and construction tool to build an electromagnetic simulation for the site.  More detail...