(IVAR) - Final Report - Strategic Environmental Research and ...

For the third test, Validation Using A Remotely Controlled Vehicle, we used a recording GPS
onboard a remotely controlled helicopter to record the coordinates of the helicopter as it was
flown through a series of maneuvers, while an avian radar system was automatically tracking the
same target. We then plotted and compared the tracks from the GPS and the avian radar to
determine how closely they were matched in time and space.
Two other sets of tests related to the question of how well the digital avian radar systems we test
can automatically track targets are discussed in Sections 3.1.1.2.1 and 3.1.1.2.2.
3.1.1.1.2 Location Information versus Time for Each Track [PA2.1]
Once automatically detection and tracking of birds in real time was demonstrated, the next
capability we addressed was whether the data captured for each tracked target would be useful to
the end-users of these systems. Of particular importance in this regard is the ability to record the
three spatial and the temporal of each tracked target. We chose to demonstrate this capability by
examining the fields display in the TrackDataViewer® software supplied with the Accipiter®
avian radar systems. We set as our success criterion that the spatial and temporal coordinates of
each tracked target should be available from each scan of the radar (every ~2.5 seconds)
3.1.1.1.3 Track Capacity [PA3.1]
Given that the detailed data gathered for each tracked target provided useful information to the
end-users, can the radar track and gather these types of data for a reasonable number of targets
tracked simultaneously in real time We chose to demonstrate this capability by examining the
plots and tracks data from one of our validation studies that was conducted during a period of
migration when lots of birds were likely to be in flight at the same time. We set as our success
criterion for track capacity that the system should be capable of tracking and recording the data
from 100 or more targets simultaneously.
3.1.1.1.4 Tracks Single Large Birds on Airfield [PA4.1]
The previous objective examined the question of whether the avian radar system could
automatically track a reasonable number of targets simultaneously. If it can, then can it also
track targets out to a range that includes the perimeter of most military airfields To demonstrate
this capability, we chose 2 km as a range from the radar that would encompass the perimeter of
most military airfields. We then set as our success criterion that we would be able to
automatically detect and track a large, raptor-sized bird at that distance or farther.
3.1.1.1.5 Tracks Birds Beyond Airfield [PA5.1]
Because birds move freely across the boundaries of military facilities, wildlife incidents on the
base are often related to activities outside the fence line. Therefore, tracking birds beyond the
perimeter of an airfield can be as important as tracking them inside the perimeter. Criterion
PA5.1 was designed to demonstrate that avian radar systems are capable of tracking birds up to 5
km from the radar; that is, up to 3 km beyond the perimeter of a typical airfield.
3.1.1.2 Qualitative Performance Criteria
The performance objectives discussed in the following subsections were designed to evaluate
sampling protocols qualitatively, with success criteria that could be defined in terms of
“Achieved” or “Not Achieved”.
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