The basic principle of radar is the transmission of electromagnetic waves, which travel through the air, reflect off objects, and return to the receiver. The time it takes for the waves to return determines the distance to the object, while the strength of the reflected signal reveals its size and nature. By continuously transmitting and receiving these waves, radar systems can track moving objects, providing real-time data about the surrounding environment. Modern radar systems also include advanced features like Doppler shift to detect moving targets.