Radar Coverage
Analysis
Calculate where your radar can detect targets over real terrain. Terrain-aware propagation prediction with five planning-grade models, an authoritative browser CPU worker, and professional export — see /methodology for fidelity labels.
Radar coverage analysis predicts detection performance by combining the radar equation with terrain-aware signal propagation. Unlike simple line-of-sight tools, Axiorad models diffraction, atmospheric effects, and multipath to produce accurate coverage maps that account for real-world physics.
What is Radar Coverage Analysis?
Radar coverage analysis is the process of predicting where a radar system can detect targets within its operational area. It combines the radar equation (which determines detection range based on system parameters and target characteristics) with propagation modeling (which predicts how signals travel over real terrain).
The result is a coverage map that shows detection probability, signal strength, or path loss at every point in the analysis area. Areas behind hills, in valleys, or blocked by terrain features appear as shadow zones — blind spots where the radar cannot detect targets.
Professional coverage analysis is essential for radar site selection, sensor network design, surveillance system optimization, and regulatory compliance. It replaces expensive and time-consuming field measurements with physics-based prediction that can evaluate thousands of configurations before a single antenna is installed.
Key factors in coverage analysis
Terrain Elevation
Hills, mountains, ridges, and valleys block or diffract radar signals. Coverage analysis uses digital elevation models (DEM) to calculate line-of-sight and diffraction loss along every path.
Radar Parameters
Transmit power, antenna gain, frequency, beamwidth, receiver sensitivity, and system losses determine the theoretical detection range before terrain effects.
Target Characteristics
Radar cross-section (RCS), target altitude, and Swerling fluctuation type affect detection probability. A small drone at low altitude is far harder to detect than a cargo vessel.
Atmospheric Effects
Atmospheric refraction bends radar beams (standard 4/3 Earth radius), while absorption at higher frequencies and rain attenuation reduce signal strength.
Propagation Model
The choice of propagation model determines how terrain interaction is calculated. Longley-Rice ITM for irregular terrain, COST-231 for urban areas, P.1812 for area prediction.
How Terrain Affects Radar Coverage
Terrain is the single largest factor in radar coverage. A hill between the radar and the target can completely block detection, while a radar positioned on high ground extends coverage dramatically. Understanding terrain effects is why coverage analysis exists.
Line-of-Sight Blockage
Terrain features physically block the radar beam. The analysis calculates the elevation profile between radar and every grid point to determine if a clear line-of-sight exists.
Diffraction Over Ridges
Radio waves bend around obstacles through diffraction. Models like Longley-Rice ITM and P.1812-6 calculate knife-edge diffraction loss, providing partial coverage into shadow zones.
Fresnel Zone Clearance
Even without direct blockage, terrain that intrudes into the first Fresnel zone causes signal attenuation. The analysis calculates clearance at 32 sample points along each path.
The Coverage Analysis Process
From radar configuration to exported coverage map in five steps. Coverage grids are computed in your browser by the authoritative CPU worker. Map tiles, elevation, authentication, and saved projects use network services.
Configure Radar Parameters
Set frequency, transmit power, antenna gain, beamwidth, and height. Import parameters automatically from a datasheet using AI parsing, or select from the radar preset library.
Select Terrain & Area
Place your radar on the map and define the analysis radius. Choose from multiple elevation sources (Mapbox, Google, SRTM) with resolutions from sub-meter to 90 m. Tile caching enables fast re-analysis.
Choose Propagation Model
Select from five propagation models (ITM, Hata, P.1812, two-ray, free-space) or let the engine auto-select based on frequency, distance, and terrain. Enable environmental effects — atmospheric absorption, rain attenuation, foliage loss, building obstruction.
Run Coverage Analysis
An authoritative browser CPU worker computes coverage across the grid with the selected detector and result-metric contract. Line-of-sight sampling includes Fresnel clearance and knife-edge diffraction, with progress tracking and cancel/retry support.
Visualize & Export Results
View results as signal strength, detection probability, path loss, SNR, link margin, or best server maps. Export as GeoTIFF, KML/KMZ, GeoJSON, or CSV. Run route studies and coverage comparisons.
Beyond Basic Coverage Mapping
Axiorad goes beyond simple line-of-sight analysis. Full radar equation integration, multi-radar network analysis, route studies, and coverage comparison give you the tools to plan and optimize real sensor networks.
Detection Probability Mapping
Calculate probability of detection (Pd) at every grid point using the full radar equation with configurable RCS targets, Swerling fluctuation models (0–4), and noise figure.
Radar equation, Swerling models, Pd, PfaMulti-Radar Network Analysis
Analyze up to 20+ radar sites simultaneously. Composite coverage shows the combined detection envelope of your sensor network with gap identification.
Sensor network, composite coverage, gap analysisBest Server Analysis
Determine which radar provides the strongest signal or highest detection probability at every point. Essential for multi-site network planning and resource optimization.
Best server, dominant coverage, network optimizationRoute Study Analysis
Trace interactive routes on the map and analyze per-radar signal strength and detection probability along the path. Identify dead zones and calculate worst-gap distances.
Route study, dead zone, gap analysis, coverage verificationCoverage Comparison
Snapshot baseline coverage, modify your network, and compare. Diverging color maps show improved and degraded areas with area calculations in km².
Before/after, delta analysis, network modificationEnvironmental Effects
Model gaseous absorption with the documented legacy P.676-10 planning approximation, rain attenuation with directional sectors, foliage loss by vegetation type and density, and building obstruction from OpenStreetMap data.
Atmospheric, rain, foliage, building, clutterWhy Web-Based Radar Coverage Analysis?
Traditional radar coverage tools require desktop installation, license management, and separate terrain data setup. Axiorad delivers planning-grade, physics-based analysis in your browser — with honest fidelity labels and a clear security model for what stays local.
| Aspect | Traditional Desktop Tools | Axiorad (Web-Based) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop software requiring Windows installation | Runs in any modern browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge |
| Setup Time | Download, install, license activation, terrain data setup | Open browser, create account, start analyzing in minutes |
| Propagation Models | Often limited to LOS or single model | Five models: Longley-Rice ITM, COST-231, P.1812-6, two-ray, free-space |
| Radar Analysis | Telecom-focused tools lack radar equation, RCS, detection Pd | Full radar equation with Swerling models and Pd calculation |
| Processing | CPU-bound, can take minutes for large areas | Authoritative CPU worker in-browser |
| Data Privacy | Data uploaded to vendor servers for processing | Coverage compute in-browser; saved projects, maps, terrain, and auth use the network |
| Cost | Hundreds to thousands per license per year | Free evaluation tier, no credit card required |
Learn about the propagation models
Detailed technical reference for all five models: Longley-Rice ITM, COST-231 Hata, ITU-R P.1812-6, Two-Ray, and Free-Space. Comparison table, specifications, and selection guidance.
Start Your Coverage Analysis
Professional radar coverage analysis in your browser. Five propagation models, authoritative CPU-worker calculations, and multi-radar network analysis. Free to start, no installation required.
Free evaluation tier • No credit card required • Data stays in your browser