Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for agile RF spectrum monitoring in a radio system with dynamic frequency access. It provides a spectrum monitor based on non-coherent heterodyne detection that utilizes a DDS signal generator to digitally generate a reference signal at a variable reference frequency for mixing with an input RF signal received from an RF antenna, a pass-band filter and a log amplifier for obtaining energy estimates at a monitored transmission frequency corresponding to the reference frequency. A processor is provided for adaptively selecting sets of monitored transmission frequencies, for controlling the DDS signal generator, and for processing obtained spectral energy estimates to assess spectral usage data.