What is the Doppler Shift?

The Doppler Shift refers to a change in frequency of the radar signal that occurs due to the relative motion between the radar device and the target object. When the object moves towards the radar, the frequency of the reflected signal increases; conversely, when it moves away, the frequency decreases. This phenomenon is fundamental in radar operation, as it allows operators to determine the speed of a moving object by analyzing the change in frequency of the returned signal.

In practical terms, when a radar system sends out a signal, it measures the frequency of the signal that bounces back from a moving target. The difference between the emitted frequency and the received frequency indicates how fast the target is moving – a critical element in tracking speed in applications like traffic enforcement.