Method Of Detecting A Target With A Cfar Thresholding Function Using Clutter Map Entries

A method of detecting a target in a scene comprises the steps of (a) obtaining a first data set of data elements which correspond to returns from different parts of the scene; and (b) determining a detection threshold for a part of the scene by reference to data elements corresponding to returns to neighbouring parts of the scene; characterized in that (i) the method further comprises the steps of (c) obtaining a second data set of data elements which correspond only to clutter returns from different parts of the scene; and (d) identifying clutter returns in the first data set by comparing the first and second data sets; and (ii) in step (b), data elements identified in step (d) as corresponding to clutter returns are discounted in determining the detection threshold. The method provides for improved target detection the presence of clutter.