Definition

Noun: A type of radar system capable of determining and reporting three coordinates for a detected target: its distance (range), its horizontal direction (azimuth), and its height or elevation (altitude). This provides a full three-dimensional positional fix, unlike simpler two-dimensional radars that only provide range and azimuth.

Usage

• Primary Use: The term is used specifically in military, aviation, and meteorological contexts to describe advanced surveillance and tracking systems.
• Context: It is a technical compound noun. Its meaning is precise and refers to the system's functional capability.

Examples

• The air traffic control center upgraded its system to three-dimensional radar for more precise tracking of aircraft.
• Modern fighter jets are equipped with three-dimensional radar to locate targets at different altitudes.
• Meteorologists use three-dimensional radar to analyze the structure of storms.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often contrasted with "two-dimensional radar" in technical literature to highlight the added capability of measuring altitude.
• In system specifications, it may be abbreviated as "3D radar."

Variants and Related Words

• 3D radar: A common abbreviation.
• Height-finding radar: A related term emphasizing the specific function of determining altitude, which is a key component of three-dimensional radar systems.
• Surveillance radar: A broader category that can include both two-dimensional and three-dimensional systems.

Synonyms

• Volumetric radar: A less common synonym emphasizing the measurement of a volume of space.
• 3D surveillance radar: A descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases/Idioms

This is a precise technical term; it is not typically used in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs.

Noun

1. radar that will report altitude as well as azimuth and distance of a target