Radar detection of high architectural objects in urban environments – an experimental study

The increasing presence of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in urban airspace necessitates reliable detection and classification of tall architectural structures to ensure flight safety and effective collision avoidance. This paper presents an experimental study on radar detection of high-infrastructural objects, such as residential blocks, tall buildings, and similar structures, in a complex urban environment. Using a custom Xband radar system, real-world measurements were performed in a metropolitan area characterized by a diverse array of tall obstacles. The study investigates the detectability of these urban objects. The results demonstrate that even single radar echoes can reliably reveal the presence of tall structures, while averaging methods further enhance detection performance and resolution. The results underscore the strong capability of X-band radar systems for deployment within UAV frameworks for situational awareness and collision avoidance. Their utility is particularly evident in demanding urban landscapes where adverse weather can compromise the effectiveness of optical sensors. The study also discusses practical considerations for radar deployment in city environments, providing valuable insights for the development of robust UAV navigation systems.