Site specific radar clutter backscattering simulation

Knowledge of radar clutter is essential to determine the radar range or the detectability of manmade objects embedded in a natural environment. In this article the computer model DORTE is presented. This simulation program estimates radar clutter backscattering for specific sites represented by digital elevation models. In the current version of the program the output is a reflectivity map. Shadowed areas, which are not accessible to radar at frequencies above 1 GHz, are identified by means of a specialized hidden surface algorithm. Semi-empirical and statistical clutter models are assigned to each terrain cell utilizing the CORINE land use information database of the European Environment Agency. The predicted average clutter value can optionally be statistically varied. An exemplary simulation is compared to a reflectivity map derived from a SAR image and shows satisfactory correlation.