Abstract: Compared with the national standard method, the drive-test method is new and more convenient with more representative results and wider applicability in radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation monitoring. In this study, tests on urban radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation were carried out in Nantong, Jiangsu by both the vehicle-mounted mobile monitoring method and the national standard method. Among 20 250 valid test data obtained, 20 060 were by the drive-test method and 190 by the national standard method. The relative deviation of the monitoring results for the two methods ranged from 1.64%—7.77%, less than 10%. The average broad band electric fields for the two methods were 0.58±0.28 V/m and 0.52±0.32 V/m, respectively, with no obvious difference between the two methods. Whereas in the respect of the typical characteristics and representativeness, the drive-test method was significantly better than the national standard method. The study also found that the dense distribution of 50 Hz extremely-low-frequency high voltage transmission lines along the streets was the main reason for the higher values in the drive-test method. This influence could be eliminated by optimizing the driving route to avoid high voltage transmission lines and by data processing. The results of this study could facilitate the establishment of the national regulation concerning the drive-test method and provide a model for its national promotion and application.

Key words: drive-test method, national standard method, urban radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation, extremely-low-frequency high voltage transmission line