Abstract: An apparatus and method for communicating between a first communication node and a second communication node in an area having a plurality of communication nodes is disclosed which comprises generating a propagation model of signals from selected communication nodes in the area. The communication nodes may be fixed or mobile. The propagation model is based on an environmental map that includes the topography of the terrain and structures in the area. The propagation model is generated at selected intervals to provide updated information for predicting the quality of communication at a location at a future time.