Generation of Land-Clutter Maps for Cognitive Radar Technology

The concept of cognitive radar is based on an intelligent signal processing obtained by the interaction of the radar with the surrounding environment in order to optimize the radar operation. In the frame of the vast literature on measurement and modelling of the echoes from the environment such as land, vegetation, man-made infrastructures (called land clutter or fixed clutter in the radar jargon), this paper is aimed to contribute with a practical methodology based on a moveable, lightweight, small and cheap marine radar and its calibration. Live results, related to Radar Cross Section measurements in a typical suburban area, are also shown and analysed. Buildings, streets, highways, car parking areas with different coatings, large and medium size lampposts, soil with grass, trees, all in a radius of a very few kilometres, makes this area interesting as far as land clutter characterization is concerned.