Radar Alignment

Introduction

The section covers the alignment of the radar sensor to the map (geographic North).

When a radar sensor is physically installed, it is quite likely that its alignment does not precisely match with due North. It is necessary to ensure that all radar data is aligned North, as a common geographical point of reference. This will ensure that all sensors are geographically aligned which enables the system to display targets in the correct location on the map and also to report the accurate Latitude and Longitude of every target.

Contents



Configure the Distribution IP Address

You need to configure a distribution IP address.

This should be an IP address on the User Interface client computer that the trackers can send data to.

To do this:

  1. Select the site name on the Configuration Tree, which is the master folder of the Entity Tree (e.g. the site, Navtech Demo, as illustrated below):

     

  2. The site settings will then be displayed in the Configuration Panel:

     

  3. Click Edit and select the IP address from the drop-down list (the list is auto populated by examining the IP addresses on the system running the UI application).

  4. Add the IP Address and then click Save.

Aligning a Radar Sensor

Next you will need to align the radar sensor or sensors.

  1. Ensure that the radar sensor is powered on and has a healthy connection to its Track Engine.

  2. You will have already uploaded a Background Image or map. Ensure it is at full opacity.

  3. Enable the Config Function, then select the radar group in the Configuration Tree, then click the Settings button for the Radar Group:

     

  4. This will open the Radar Group settings panel. Click the Edit button:

     

  5. This will enable the Radar Mini Control:

     

  6. More information about the Radar Mini Control can be found here:

  7. Move the Radar Group settings panel away from the PPI so that you can view the PPI screen. On the Mini Control, click the Radar Data button to expand the control and enable it, then choose Raw from the Source menu:

     

  8. The Raw Data will be visible as a green circle of data. Scroll or Pan to adjust the view of the PPI underneath until you can see the radar sensor and its immediate surroundings, preferably so that you can still recognise several fixed objects such as buildings, fences, etc. on the Background Image underneath.

     

  9. Within the Raw Data, search for traces of the fixed objects that are present within the Background Image. Detected objects appear as bright green data. You now need to rotate the Raw Data so that it aligns precisely with the Background Image. If they are already aligned then you do not need to make any further alterations. For instance, in the image below, the field can be recognised due to the detected trees on its perimeter, but also through the vines planted in straight lines within the field. It is therefore important to recognise features visible on the Background Image (the trees) and also to have your own knowledge of the area (the vines) to account for features not as immediately visible.

  10. To adjust the Raw Data, you can move the radar using Ctrl+Click+Drag and use the PPI arrows for fine tuning:

     

  11. Alternatively, rotate the Raw Data using the Rotation arrows on the Mini Control, or by typing a positive or negative value into the dialogue box:

     

  12. When the Raw Data is correctly superimposed over the background image, click the Save button on the Radar Group settings panel. It is now aligned.

Be aware that the expanded radar Mini Control only appears when the radar is in edit mode and the radar data is being displayed.

Whenever the radar rotation is changed, you will need to capture/recapture a new Clutter Floor Clutter Map and Clutter Floor. If you are using a Contour Area, this will need to be adjusted. It is recommended that you create a Contour Area after alignment. For more info please visit this page: Contour Area.

Video

Here is a video demonstrating how to align a radar:


Related Information

Safety is everything.