radar resolution

From Glossary of Meteorology
The minimum separation between two targets that permits them to be distinguished by a radar.

The minimum separation in range along a given direction from the radar is one-half the transmitted pulse length. The minimum angular separation at a given range is approximately the 3-dB beamwidth of the radar. These minimum dimensions determine the radar resolution volume. Targets within the volume are not resolved and appear to be merged into a single target on a radar display. Radar resolution is usually of more concern for point targets than for weather echoes, because the latter are beam-filling targets that are considerably larger than the resolution volume.
Compare pulse volume.

(Coined word for radio detection and ranging.) An electronic instrument used for the detection and ranging of distant objects of such composition that they scatter or reflect radio energy.

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