Modelling of radar clutter

A methodology for simulating the radar backscatter returns from the environment as seen by a pulse-Doppler radar is described with reference to the simulation of land clutter, although the methodology is appropriate for returns from any type of clutter. The common feature with these models is that the short-term temporal behaviour as observed in individual range resolution cells and the spatial behaviour between resolution cells are separately modelled. These models may be used to simulate radar clutter for the purpose of analysing radar performance under a wide range of environmental conditions. Extensive analyses of recorded radar measurements from a number of environments has provided the data required to hypothesise mathematical models for the observed behaviour and, from which, computer models may be created. The author discusses the methodology used to create the clutter models and presents examples of the tools employed