Learn about the radiodetermination service, used to measure position, velocity or other characteristics of an object or physical phenomenon.
On this page:
Overview of the radiodetermination service
Radiodetermination systems use radio waves to determine the position, velocity or other characteristics of an object (such as an aircraft) or a physical phenomenon (such as weather), or to obtain information relating to these parameters.
The radiodetermination service includes radionavigation and radiolocation.
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- Radionavigation
- Radionavigation is used for the purposes of navigation, including obstruction warning and/or to determine one’s position. Radionavigation systems are mostly used passively by mobiles, meaning that they determine their position using received signals, without the use of an embarked transmitter.
- Radiolocation
- Radiolocation is used for purposes other than navigation. This may include monitoring environmental conditions (lightning, storms, precipitation and wind), locating, identifying, and characterizing objects on the water or in the air. The term “radar” is an acronym meaning “RAdio Detection And Ranging” and is often used to refer to radiolocation.
Ready to get started?
Use the following options to apply for or manage a radio licence in the Spectrum Management System (SMS).
ApplyApply for a radiodetermination licence.
ManageModify or cancel a radiodetermination licence.
Not sure how to proceed?
Our interactive questionnaire will help you determine how to proceed with your application for a radio licence.
Start questionnaire
You require a licence for an Aeronautical Base station
Click the button below to apply for a licence.
Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.
To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page. See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.
Be informed
ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.
We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency range like those in the Radiodetermination service.
You require a licence for a Maritime Base station
Click the button below to apply for a licence.
Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.
To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page. See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.
Be informed
ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.
We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency range like those in the Radiodetermination service.
Contact ISED
We recommend that you contact your local Spectrum Management District Office to discuss your application
Contact ISED
We recommend that you contact your local Spectrum Management District Office to discuss your application
You require a licence for a Radiodetermination Base station
Click the button below to apply for a licence.
Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.
To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page. See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.
Apply for: Radiodetermination Base
Be informed
ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.
We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency range like those in the Radiodetermination service.
Contact ISED
We recommend that you contact your local Spectrum Management District Office to discuss your application
You require a licence for a Land Mobile, Mobile Only station
Do you already own a radio licence for the station that will be equipped with the radar?
- If the station is already covered by a radio licence, you do not need a second licence, but you do need to add the information regarding the radar. In this situation, click the Modify: Mobile Only button below to modify your existing licence.
- If you do not have a radio licence, or if the radar is hand-held or self-contained (not tied to a vehicle), click the Apply for: Mobile Only button below to apply for a licence.
Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.
To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page. See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.
Be informed
ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.
We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency range like those in the Radiodetermination service.
You require a licence for a Land Mobile station
Do you already own a radio licence for the station that will be equipped with the radar?
- If the station is already covered by a radio licence, you do not need a second licence, but you do need to add the information regarding the radar. In this situation, click the Modify: Mobile Only button below to modify your existing licence.
- If you do not have a radio licence, or if the radar is hand-held or self-contained (not tied to a vehicle), click the Apply for: Mobile Only button below to apply for a licence.
Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.
To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page. See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.
Be informed
ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.
We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency range like those in the Radiodetermination service.
You require a licence for an Aircraft station
Do you already own a radio licence for the station that will be equipped with the radar?
- If the station is already covered by a radio licence, you do not need a second licence, but you do need to add the information regarding the radar. In this case, click the Modify: Aircraft button below to modify your existing licence.
- If you do not have a radio licence, click the Apply for: Mobile Only button to apply for a licence. When the aircraft does not have a radio licence, this form is used instead of the “Aircraft” one.
Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.
To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page. See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.
Be informed
ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.
We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency range like those in the Radiodetermination service.
Contact ISED
We recommend that you contact your local Spectrum Management District Office to discuss your application
You require a licence for a Land Mobile station
Do you already own a radio licence for the station that will be equipped with the radar?
- If the station is already covered by a radio licence, you do not need a second licence, but you do need to add the information regarding the radar. In this situation, click the Modify: Mobile Only button below to modify your existing licence.
- If you do not have a radio licence, or if the radar is hand-held or self-contained (not tied to a vehicle), click the Apply for: Mobile Only button below to apply for a licence.
Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.
To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page. See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.
Be informed
ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.
We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency range like those in the Radiodetermination service.
You require a licence for a Maritime Vessel station
Do you already own a radio licence for the station that will be equipped with the radar?
- If the station is already covered by a radio licence, you do not need a second licence, but you do need to add the information regarding the radar. In this case, click the Modify: Maritime Vessel button below to modify your existing licence.
- If you do not have a radio licence, click the Apply for: Mobile Only button below to apply for a licence. When the ship or vessel does not have a radio licence, this form is used instead of the “Maritime Vessel” one.
Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.
To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page. See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.
Be informed
ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.
We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency range like those in the Radiodetermination service.