What inputs does ARPA require to maintain a target track?

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To keep a target track, ARPA needs three key inputs: current radar measurements of the target’s relative position (range and bearing) to know where it is right now; the target’s motion information (speed and course) so the tracker can predict where it will be next; and your own vessel’s motion data (heading, speed, and related motion information) to compensate for the ship’s movement and to convert the relative data into a consistent reference frame. AIS data can supplement by providing the target’s reported speed, course, and identity when available, which helps improve or initialize the track. Weather data isn’t used for maintaining a target track, and GPS coordinates of all vessels aren’t a required input for ARPA tracking.