Comparison of plot and track fusion for naval sensor integration

This paper compares plot and track fusion or a generic suite of sensors that might be available on a future warship, with an emphasis on their relative ability to maintain track continuity in the event of missed measurements/plots. Using plot fusion measurement level data are formed into tracks at a central location, whereas with track fusion state estimate (i.e. track) level data are combined from separate sensors into a single track state estimate. An extensive amount of literature discusses the two methods from an architectural standpoint although few quantitative results exist on the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches for practical sensor integration applications. Results are presented for parametric modelling of track continuity and track completeness based on analysis of naval radar data characteristics.