Road Weather Applications

Anti-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.  

 

Road weather systems
Vaisala's road weather systems give road authorities the weather information they need to make the right maintenance management decisions. As with all Vaisala products...
   
IceCast System
The Vaisala IceCast System is a modular range of software which helps road, rail and runway operators to minimize the effects of bad weather. It gives information that is ...
   
Route Optimization
Efficient winter maintenance treatment routes (anti-icing; de-icing; snow plowing & clearance) can save time and money whilst maintaining a safe transport network. Route Optimisation ...
   
Thermal Mapping
Some sections of a highway or runway will always be warmer or colder than others. This pattern of temperature variation is determined by local environmental factors and prevailing weather conditions...
   
Forecasting applications
In meteorology, a forecast is defined as "a statement of expected meteorological conditions for a specific area or portion of air space". When forecasting ...