Radartutorial .euElevation Angle
N (0°)
E
S
W
R
horizon
Figure 1: Definition of elevation angle ε
N (0°)
E
S
W
R
horizon
Figure 1: Definition of elevation angle ε
Altitude- or height-finding search radars use a very narrow beam in the vertical plane. The beam is mechanically or electronically scanned in elevation to pinpoint targets. Height-finding radar systems that also determine bearing must have a narrow beam in the horizontal plane in addition to the one in the vertical plane.
The elevation angle is the angle between the horizontal plane and the line of sight, measured in the vertical plane. The Greek letter Epsilon (ε) describes the elevation angle. The elevation angle is positive above the horizon (0° elevation angle), but negative below the horizon.