Using the Landscape Context as a basis, intellgent choices can be made about the type of antenna system and/or tower design to apply in a particular environment.
Towers Configurations
There are a number of different tower types, ranging from the traditional guyed and freestanding galvanized steel lattice towers, to monopoles, flag poles, and in some cases disguised structures such as light standard poles and camoflaged antennas in the form of artificial evergreen and palm trees.
Additionally, the components of the antenna system itself - the antenna mounts, equipment cabinets and shelters, the antennas and cabling all play a role in how well a proposed site fits into its environment.
While tower designs are limited structurally based on their height and the load bearing capacity of the tower, there are often times one or more options available, and clever design options such as shrouding and the use of simply effects such as color matching, all the way up to custom architectural features allow towers to reduce their visual disamenity on the surrounding environment.
Rooftop Configurations
In urban and suburban environments, rooftop building installations are preferrable in most cases because there is no need to build a tower structure, however rooftop installations have the added dimension of having to fit into the environment by being complimentary to the architectural features of it's host building, as well as public realm.
Below is an example of ASDF Design Guidelines based on a residential land use:
Poles and Towers: Use slim pole profiles and limit vertical extensions relative to the surrounding built form. Avoid lattice towers and head frames. Reduce the impact on street frontages.
Antenna Mounts: Avoid cross bracing and support wires. Set antenna mounts back from street frontages. Limit size of structural members and ensure mounts are proportional to the built form.
Equipment Shelters: Capitalise on rear lanes or less public locations. Match the colour, built form and materiality to reduce the visual impact
Antennas and Cabling: Maintain uniform antennas positions that respond to the construction of the pole or antenna mount. Develop consistent cable connections and shroud cables.