Data fusion alternatives for the integration of millimetre radar in airport surveillance systems

Abstract

This work presents the integration of data from a network of millimeter wave sensors in the data fusion system of an A-SMGCS surveillance function. Most airport surface have multiple radar coverage, without the necessary synchronized sensors, so a data fusion scheme is essential to provide a coherent and stable output. Several alternatives are open, from the low-level image combination up to plot/data fusion techniques applied after target segmentation. The analysis is motivated by the future installation of a set of short-range miniradars (millimetre wave sensor, MWSs) in the Madrid/Barajas international airport. These sensors should be integrated in the currently on-going A-SMGCS prototype. MWSs covers certain airport zones such as platform and apron areas (parking positions, passenger terminals, fingers, etc.) complementing the current coverage of installed ASDE radars, mainly dedicated to the surveillance of runways and external taxiways.