Abstract: The problem of elevation errors due to propagation environment for radar tracking low altitude target is studied. Based on parabolic equation method for electromagnetic wave propagation, a new method for calculating low elevation errors is proposed, which can consider the effects of multipath and atmospheric refraction simultaneously. Validity of the proposed method is indicated by comparing with result from ray method under condition of standard refraction. Errors of elevation angle are simulated in different propagation environments, including rough sea surface and ducting environments. Variety of elevation errors after using narrow angle or bias axis tracking to decrease the effects of multipath are also simulated. The calculation process and simulation results show the comprehensive influence of complex environment involves multipath and ducting can be considered by the proposed method simultaneously, as well as other factors including radar parameters and working mode.