Road Weather ApplicationsAnti-icing operations can be radically improved when hazardous road conditions are detected and predicted more effectively. The Vaisala IceCast System gives road authorities invaluable support in keeping roads open and safe, while reducing operational costs and protecting the environment. IceCast is tailored to suit the customer's requirements but Thermal Mapping is typically the first step. Thermal Mapping identifies the pattern of road surface temperature variation. The thermal mapping data is integrated into IceCast, and Vaisala ROSA weather stations are installed accordingly. A site-specific forecast is generated for each weather station by the local meteorological service or by Vaisala's NowCast System. The site-specific forecast is then extrapolated across the network with the application of thermal mapping data to produce Forecast Thermal Maps. The Vaisala Route Optimization service can be brought into play to increase the operational efficiency of road maintenace fleets. This is done by decreasing the number of routes and improving the efficiency of those remaining. The Vaisala IceCast System can be configured in many ways. It can be built up from a detection system comprising the server, display software and weather stations. Vaisala also provides sensors for measuring roadside visibility, precipitation, wind speed and direction.
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