Merging Radar Data with Geographic Data for Visual Land Clutter Source Recognition

摘要

In the recent years, radar land clutter modelling and processing have been aided with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geodata in a few recognised researches such as in the Lincoln Laboratory. In our clutter research, one aspect is to study the possibilities of using GIS in clutter classification in Finnish environment. Since the automation of this process causes inaccurate results and a need to identify and label various types of land clutter sources through geographic data (geodata) exists, we propose an approach based on the visual interpretation of clutter. We have created a graphical visualisation tool for merging geodata with radar data interactively, including an option to select the shown type(s) of geodata. The source identification is based on the visual observation of the output. The tool can also be utilised when verifying simulated data.rnIn an example case, we have used the following geodata items: a base map, a terrain model, a database of tall structures, and a digital elevation model, but other types of geodata can be used as well. Although the potential to enhance the model is higher when more types of geodata are utilised, even with few carefully selected geodata items, clutter sources can be recognised adequately. This paper presents an illustrative demonstration using an air surveillance radar recording. This visual approach with the data merging tool has been useful, and the results have verified the practicability. The contribution of this paper focuses on supporting clutter classification research and improving the understanding of land clutter.