A Model for Space Radar Clutter
Abstract
A model for radar clutter as encountered from a space-based platform is developed. Included in the model are land, sea and airborne clutter with emphasis on land clutter. Parametric fits to existing reflectivity data are performed for seven generic terrain types: desert, forest, mountain, rural, urban, snow and ice and sea. The fits are parametric in frequency and grazing angle and, in the case of sea clutter, polarization. In addition to the mean values of clutter reflectivity, the variation about the mean is emphasized. The underlying causes of clutter variability nonhomogeneous terrain type, terrain undulation, etc., are discussed. Quantitative estimates of their effects are presented. A theory of probability density function of clutter based on the resolution cell size, correlation lengths, and underlying statistics of individual scatterers, is presented. Examples are worked out for five terrain types and a large resolution cell. The results are threshold settings required for given false alarm probabilities. Clutter spectra are discussed briefly. Finally, requirements and computer simulations are examined with particular attention to the advantages and disadvantages of three candidate measurement programs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA072990
Entities
People
- P. G. Tomlinson