Radar return processing systems and methods are operable to process radar information when an installation vehicle (122) is operating in proximity to a surface area of interest. An exemplary embodiment reduces energy of an output pulse emitted from a radar system (410); receives a plurality of radar returns from a plurality of objects that reflect the reduced energy output pulses emitted from the radar system (410); determines a surface area of interest based upon at least a current location of the installation vehicle (122); and filters the radar returns generated by objects that are located outside of the surface area of interest. Optionally, some systems and methods may reduce a sweep range of an antenna from which the reduced energy output pulses are emitted.