The transport network forms the backbone of our society. Keeping the network flowing freely, be it road, rail or aviation, is vital to the economy. Weather influences traffic flows and safety to a great extent. In many cases bad weather such as ice, snow, and fog are a contributing factor to accidents and delays. Being forewarned and prepared allows service engineers to manage weather events in order to optimise the traffic safety and flow.
Vaisala provides a comprehensive range of applications for road and rail engineers to deal with adverse weather events. Road / trackside weather stations (also known as RWIS or Environmental Sensor Sites (ESS)) provide real time data whilst short term NowCasts, 24 hour forecasts and Thermal Mapping ensure the engineer has all the decision making tools he requires to manage the situation. Vaisala offers complete solutions with 24 hour support and maintenance, data quality control and ‘Best Practice’ consultancy being just some of the added value services available.
Fog on the road and runway network is a traffic safety hazard. By measuring and observing visibilty the network operator is equipped to take appropriate action to maintain safety across the network.
The Vaisala IceCast system provides a modular, configurable range of options for the collection, management and display of measured and forecast road/runway weather data. Detection and warning of adverse weather enables reactive maintenance, whereas prediction enables proactive anti-icing operations in advance of the onset of forecast weather.
Vaisala offers a range of rail weather solutions for heavy, light and commuter rail, and metro / underground operators.
Aqua-planing increases the likelihood of incidents on a trafficked network. By measuring precipitation and its effect on the surface, warnings can be tailored to ensure traffic safety.
High wind speeds, and gusts can cause disruption to traffic flow. The Vaisala Wind System measures wind parameters, enabling the network operator to take appropriate remedial action to ensure minimum disruption and maximum safety.