How is the distance between targets on a radar screen measured when using target separation?

The distance between targets on a radar screen, specifically when using target separation for primary targets, is measured in a center-to-center approach. This method provides a consistent way to evaluate the distance between the centers of the radar returns from each target, facilitating accurate assessments of how closely positioned targets are relative to one another.

Using the center-to-center measurement accounts for the actual size and shape of targets on the radar display, which can be crucial for effective tracking and separation management in real-time radar monitoring. This approach allows radar operators to maintain safe distances and prevent potential collisions or interference between targets.

The other methods of measurement, such as edge-to-edge or center-to-edge, may not provide the same level of accuracy or may inadvertently misrepresent the physical spacing of the targets. For instance, measuring edge to edge does not take into account the overall mass and potential overlap of the targets' effective areas, which can lead to unsafe assumptions about their proximity.