Multi-Radar Multi-Target Tracking Algorithm for Maritime Surveillance at OTH Distances

The aim of this paper is to propose, develop and test multi-radar multi-target tracking algorithm for maritime surveillance at over-the-horizon (OTH) distances. The proposed algorithm utilizes a weighted pure minimum mean square error (MMSE) algorithm for multi-radar data fusion and adaptive alpha beta tracking algorithm for target tracking. The developed data fusion algorithm calculates the weighted center of mass of all targets observed by OTH radars (OTHRs) within a gate radius of predicted position, and uses it for a track update process. During the process a weighting factor which will be used in an adaptive alpha-beta tracking algorithm is derived. The weighting factor as well as alpha and beta factors are updated in each observation period and depend on all targets, which have fallen into a gate radius during the track update process. The algorithm is designed, implemented, and tested in an environment consisting of a simulated network of two OTHRs with significantly overlapping surveillance areas.