System and method for identifying navigational markers using radar

A radar receiving apparatus, comprising:

• a receiving antenna;
• a circuit operatively connected to the receiving antenna, the circuit for detecting a radar signal and identifying a distinctly polarized radar reflection from a navigational marker, the circuit generating information identifying the navigational marker;
• and
• a display connected to the circuit to output the generated information.

A method, comprising:

• transmitting a signal to a navigational marker;
• polarizing a reflected signal from the navigational marker;
• receiving the polarized reflected signal at a radar receiver;
• and
• identifying the navigational marker by decoding the polarized reflected signal.

A navigational marker, comprising:

• a navigational marker body;
• a radio-frequency receiver positioned in the body, wherein the radio-frequency receiver detects a radar signal;
• and
• a radio-frequency transmitter, wherein the radio-frequency transmitter is adapted to transmit encoded data distinctly identifying the navigational marker.

A method, comprising:

• transmitting a radar signal to a navigational marker having a radio transponder;
• triggering the radio transponder by illuminating the radio transponder with the radar signal;
• broadcasting a radio signal from the radio transponder;
• detecting the radio signal transmitted by the radio transponder;
• identifying the navigational marker having a radio transponder;
• generating location coordinates for the navigational marker having the radio transponder;
• and
• synthesizing on a display the location coordinates of the navigational marker having the radio transponder.