  In this paper, we present PCNM, a new mobile platform for cellular networks
measurements. PCNM is based on a set of techniques that tailors theoretical
calculations and simulations to the real cellular network environment. It
includes: (a) modules that measure different parameters of a base station (BS)
such as localization, cells identification, time advance information, reception
level and quality, (b) a new protocol that optimizes the task of network
measurement by monitoring a set of mobile nodes and finally (c) the ability to
extend an existing cellular network by adding new base stations. We evaluate
our genetic algorithm used to reduce the nodes mobility and optimize the
measurement extraction of N base stations using k mobile sensors (k >= 1). We
show how connecting real measurements (using mobile sensors in a collaborative
way) to theoretical and prediction methods is of high benefits for cellular
networks maintenance, extension and performances evaluation.
