Choosing a track association method

Abstract This paper examines the problem of selecting a track association method. This is the first stage of the track fusion process and the performance of such a method is essential to the overall success of this process. It is shown that more issues must be considered than just examining the probability of correct association when judging the performance of an association technique. A method that provides a high probability of correct association may well have poor performance in other areas. This paper examines several additional features that should be considered as they also have a significant effect on the quality of the combined tracks that are the final outcome of the fusion process. The problem is illustrated by examining several track-to-track association techniques for the problem of correlating radar tracks with electronic support measures (ESM) tracks for airborne sensors.

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