What is Radar: The word "RADAR" is an acronym derived from the words RAdio Detection And Ranging (RADAR).RADAR is an object-detection system which uses electromagnetic waves (specifically radio waves) to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of both moving and fixed objects such as aircraft, motor vehicles, and weather formations for example. RADAR refers to the technique of using radio waves to detect the presence of objects in the atmosphere. The primary purpose of RADAR was to detect the presence of aircraft. Today, radar is used for a wide array of applications, but the main concern for Whistler is motor vehicles.