What to know for Targets, Reflectors, and Discrimination
Understand why some targets are easy to see and others are intermittent or merged.
Target strength, target definition, reflectors, shadows, and separating close echoes. This module is mapped to the published course boundary for Marine Radar Revision and written as an independent revision aid, not official training material.
Key Points
- Reflective shape and height influence echo strength
- Radar reflectors help but do not guarantee visibility
- Poor discrimination can merge close targets
- Land shadows can hide targets behind features
Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 by Compass Revision curriculum review
Source notes
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