What factor contributes to the choice of radar frequency in navigation?

The choice of radar frequency in navigation is significantly influenced by the type of environment being navigated. Different frequencies serve various purposes based on environmental conditions and operational requirements. For example, lower frequencies can penetrate through precipitation and fog more effectively, making them suitable for use in poor weather conditions or congested environments. On the other hand, higher frequencies are typically better for distinguishing finer details and tracking smaller targets, which can be important in open waters or less cluttered environments.

While factors like the cost of equipment, the size of the vessel, and the speed of the ship might play roles in the overall radar system design or selection process, they do not directly influence the inherent characteristics and utility of the radar frequency itself in the same way that environmental conditions do. This makes the environment a primary consideration when selecting the appropriate radar frequency for navigation tasks.