Glossary · Glossary
DF
Determining the direction (bearing) from a receiver to the source of a radio transmission. Combining bearings from multiple sites, or moving a single receiver, allows the emitter to be geolocated. Direction-finding turns a raw intercept into a bearing an operator can act on; combined across sites it localizes an emitter, which is the first step toward identifying or countering it.
Determining the direction (bearing) from a receiver to the source of a radio transmission. Combining bearings from multiple sites, or moving a single receiver, allows the emitter to be geolocated.
Why it matters
Direction-finding turns a raw intercept into a bearing an operator can act on; combined across sites it localizes an emitter, which is the first step toward identifying or countering it.
Related in glossary
Frequently asked
What is DF?
Determining the direction (bearing) from a receiver to the source of a radio transmission. Combining bearings from multiple sites, or moving a single receiver, allows the emitter to be geolocated.
Why does DF matter for defense and counter-UAS operators?
Direction-finding turns a raw intercept into a bearing an operator can act on; combined across sites it localizes an emitter, which is the first step toward identifying or countering it.