This document discusses Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) and Environmental Sensor Stations (ESS). It provides background on RWIS, describes the components and purpose of ESS, and outlines considerations for planning and siting new ESS. Key benefits of RWIS data include improved road safety and operations through weather and road condition monitoring. Proper planning involves analyzing operational needs, consulting maintenance staff, and partnering with other weather monitoring organizations.
Dear Mercatorian,
By growing, Mercator resolutely turns towards users.
Such logical development, which comes also within the
wish of creation of the future operational centre, requires
more than ever to offer quality products which will well
reply to the downstream demand.
Correctly integrating observations in the assimilation
system and qualifying their impact stay one of the key
points to reach this objective.
The stake is double: to maintain/improve the operational
system performance, we need to consolidate the
present by demonstrating the importance of the ocean
data measurements: satellite, Argo floats, moorings and
others in situ measurement instruments, ... Furthermore,
it is necessary to prepare the future by testing new
assimilation methods, by estimating the future
observation systems relevance and by developing
strategy for their integration in the prototypes...
This Newsletter comes within this scope. The first article will describe the mean dynamic topography of the Mediterranean
Sea, as a reference required for altimetric data assimilation. Current and future topographies are described, assessed and
intercomparated in Mersea framework. The second article associates 4D-variational method and Argo drifting floats to
examine the potential we may expect of vertical profiles of temperature and salinity to produce the oceanic state. Finally, the
last article describes the Mercator strategy, developped in the scope of an ESA study, for the future surface salinity
observation system: SMOS.
Among all of this, don't forget Europe, par excellence topically question at these days and which is approached in the News
through the first annual Mersea meeting, held in Toulouse from March 29 to March 31st.
Have a good read and see you for next issue with regional and coastal oceanography topic!
Presentation highlights the potential of satellite data products, modeling tools and Smart-ICT platform to assist flood-based farming to enable rural people to overcome poverty and improve food productivity while reducing water consumption.
The project demonstrates for the last two flood seasons how satellite data can detect the extent and duration of flooding in various irrigation block and the authorities can make use of such information to know when and where the flood waters are reaching the farm fields and how many days it got inundated. We have also showcased how flood forecasting tools can help downstream authorities to make operational planning including maintenance of irrigation blocks and early warning for local communities.
Dear Mercatorian,
By growing, Mercator resolutely turns towards users.
Such logical development, which comes also within the
wish of creation of the future operational centre, requires
more than ever to offer quality products which will well
reply to the downstream demand.
Correctly integrating observations in the assimilation
system and qualifying their impact stay one of the key
points to reach this objective.
The stake is double: to maintain/improve the operational
system performance, we need to consolidate the
present by demonstrating the importance of the ocean
data measurements: satellite, Argo floats, moorings and
others in situ measurement instruments, ... Furthermore,
it is necessary to prepare the future by testing new
assimilation methods, by estimating the future
observation systems relevance and by developing
strategy for their integration in the prototypes...
This Newsletter comes within this scope. The first article will describe the mean dynamic topography of the Mediterranean
Sea, as a reference required for altimetric data assimilation. Current and future topographies are described, assessed and
intercomparated in Mersea framework. The second article associates 4D-variational method and Argo drifting floats to
examine the potential we may expect of vertical profiles of temperature and salinity to produce the oceanic state. Finally, the
last article describes the Mercator strategy, developped in the scope of an ESA study, for the future surface salinity
observation system: SMOS.
Among all of this, don't forget Europe, par excellence topically question at these days and which is approached in the News
through the first annual Mersea meeting, held in Toulouse from March 29 to March 31st.
Have a good read and see you for next issue with regional and coastal oceanography topic!
Presentation highlights the potential of satellite data products, modeling tools and Smart-ICT platform to assist flood-based farming to enable rural people to overcome poverty and improve food productivity while reducing water consumption.
The project demonstrates for the last two flood seasons how satellite data can detect the extent and duration of flooding in various irrigation block and the authorities can make use of such information to know when and where the flood waters are reaching the farm fields and how many days it got inundated. We have also showcased how flood forecasting tools can help downstream authorities to make operational planning including maintenance of irrigation blocks and early warning for local communities.
Runoff modelling using hec hms for rural watershedEditorIJAERD
Due to climate change it is very essential to do hydrological modelling. Reliable models are essential for planning,
developmental works, prediction and safety of the population. Hydrological models are used to determine catchment
discharge/flow through an efficient way. HEC-HM (Hydrological engineering centre Hydrological modelling system) is
one of hydrological modelling tool developed by United States army corps of engineer (USACE) for event as well as for
continuous simulations. Models, especially continuous simulations are useful for future predictions of stream flow due to
land-use changes or extreme events phenomenon. In this study continuous hydrologic modellingwas carried out using
HEC HMS modelling tool.
Deficit and Constant Loss methods with Clark transform methods were selected. The calibrated model (period
1986-1988) was validated with data set of the period of 2009-2013. Study concluded that the model recommended and
can be used for stated River as decision support tool in the design and operation.
Workshop on Storm Water Modeling ApproachesM. Damon Weiss
The attached presentation was prepared by Pennoni Associates and Michael Baker Corporation to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and members of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council Green Infrastructure Network. The presentation discussed various watershed modeling techniques for regional, watershed and local projects, as well as an overview of the different tools that engineers use to create these models.
Flood Risk Analysis for River Serio, Italy by using HECRAS & River 2DArshia Mousavi
In this study, we modeled River Serio (Italy) for the assessment of Flood Risk using different modelling software. River Serio is an Italian river that flows across Lombardy region, crossing the provinces of Bergamo and Cremona. It is 125 Kms long and flows into Adda at Bocca di Serio south of Crema. Using software like HEC-RAS and River 2D to model the river section at ordinary and peak flows to analyse the possibilities of Flood. Using Analytical Calculations assessed Sediments carried away from Upstream to Downstream. By this analysis able to figure our the area going to be flooded and also the transport capacity of the sediments and the amount of sediments that can be carried by the flood water. Evaluated the Results and obtained some of the precautionary measures to protect the area from Flood. Analysis were made for one dimensional model for ordinary and peak discharge on steady model and Unsteady flow using 200 years hydro-graph. Also two dimensional analysis was made for steady flow at peak discharge. The results of both the models are compared to analyse the situation of the water profile and made related observations. Finally we calculated the sediments that gets transported in the river serio & the discharge by which the sediments gets transported. Looking at the entire scenario of different models and performing sensitive analysis to understand the pattern of the flood that can take place at different intensity levels.
Software Used: HEC-RAS for 1 Dimensional Modelling, River-2D for 2 Dimensional Modelling.
Runoff modelling using hec hms for rural watershedEditorIJAERD
Due to climate change it is very essential to do hydrological modelling. Reliable models are essential for planning,
developmental works, prediction and safety of the population. Hydrological models are used to determine catchment
discharge/flow through an efficient way. HEC-HM (Hydrological engineering centre Hydrological modelling system) is
one of hydrological modelling tool developed by United States army corps of engineer (USACE) for event as well as for
continuous simulations. Models, especially continuous simulations are useful for future predictions of stream flow due to
land-use changes or extreme events phenomenon. In this study continuous hydrologic modellingwas carried out using
HEC HMS modelling tool.
Deficit and Constant Loss methods with Clark transform methods were selected. The calibrated model (period
1986-1988) was validated with data set of the period of 2009-2013. Study concluded that the model recommended and
can be used for stated River as decision support tool in the design and operation.
Workshop on Storm Water Modeling ApproachesM. Damon Weiss
The attached presentation was prepared by Pennoni Associates and Michael Baker Corporation to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and members of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council Green Infrastructure Network. The presentation discussed various watershed modeling techniques for regional, watershed and local projects, as well as an overview of the different tools that engineers use to create these models.
Flood Risk Analysis for River Serio, Italy by using HECRAS & River 2DArshia Mousavi
In this study, we modeled River Serio (Italy) for the assessment of Flood Risk using different modelling software. River Serio is an Italian river that flows across Lombardy region, crossing the provinces of Bergamo and Cremona. It is 125 Kms long and flows into Adda at Bocca di Serio south of Crema. Using software like HEC-RAS and River 2D to model the river section at ordinary and peak flows to analyse the possibilities of Flood. Using Analytical Calculations assessed Sediments carried away from Upstream to Downstream. By this analysis able to figure our the area going to be flooded and also the transport capacity of the sediments and the amount of sediments that can be carried by the flood water. Evaluated the Results and obtained some of the precautionary measures to protect the area from Flood. Analysis were made for one dimensional model for ordinary and peak discharge on steady model and Unsteady flow using 200 years hydro-graph. Also two dimensional analysis was made for steady flow at peak discharge. The results of both the models are compared to analyse the situation of the water profile and made related observations. Finally we calculated the sediments that gets transported in the river serio & the discharge by which the sediments gets transported. Looking at the entire scenario of different models and performing sensitive analysis to understand the pattern of the flood that can take place at different intensity levels.
Software Used: HEC-RAS for 1 Dimensional Modelling, River-2D for 2 Dimensional Modelling.
The Youth Mental Health Network (YMHN) is driven and made up of a range of individuals and groups that are passionate about improving the mental health of young people, regardless of their background.
The Youth Mental Health Network's vision is to improve the provision of youth mental health services by harnessing and fostering commitment to evidence based youth mental health services, in their various forms.
Ecorub AB Annual Report 2008 - Net loss for the year 1,4 million Swedish kronaSherman Klump
Ecorub AB Annual Report 2008 - Net loss for the year 2008 is 1,4 million Swedish krona. The fiscal year 2007 Ecorub AB had revenue (turnover) of 8,1 million Swedish krona.
Fraud specialist and published author Pamela Mantone presented "Fraud - Real Life Horror Stories" at the 2013 Decosimo Accounting Forum hosted by the University of North Alabama on July 19.
Climate data can provide a great deal of information about the atmospheric environment that impacts almost all aspects of human endeavour. This module explains the importance of climate data, its storage, security, applications and other aspects, in a nutshell.
STORMTOOLS* -Simplified Flood Inundation Maps for RI with Sea Level Rise (SLR)riseagrant
Malcolm L. Spaulding1
Chris Damon2
1Professor Emeritus, Ocean Engineering
2Environmental Data Center
University of RI
December 9, 2014
*http://www.beachsamp.org/research/stormtools/
Narragansett, RI
INNAV - VTMIS
Information Navigation System e Vessel Traffic Management Information System (System Management and Vessel Traffic Information). This is a significant technological advance for our ports, for the VTMIS team the main and busiest terminals in the world.
The VTMIS is an electronic aid to navigation system, able to provide active monitoring of maritime traffic.
The Victoria Harbour was the first in Brazil to hire the system. The Dock Company of the Holy Spirit (Codesa).
From a national economic viewpoint, floods, both riverine and coastal, are the most destructive category of natural hazards in India. The economic losses to homes and personal property, to crops, business facilities and stock , utilities are major manifestations of flood losses. India is highly vulnerable to floods. in that scenario there is a urgent requirement for development and installation of enhanced flood forecasting sites in various commonly flooding regions . In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of a sensor-based embedded system for flood management. The project is mainly concerned on how the data of the flood is being used and analyzed for future forecasting. The Embedded system acquires many types of electronic devices such as GSM, Level sensor and many other to be deployed at remote locations, wherever mobile network is available. Collection of data occurs at user defined intervals of time and is to uploaded to the database .the information acquired into the database can then be easily viewed from anywhere , used for further analysis . The system is being designed on MATLAB Software for the ease of analysis.
Preparing for CV Deployment read ahead 9-8-18raymurphy9533
The fundamental premise of the connected vehicle environment lies in the power of wireless connectivity among vehicles (V2V communications), the infrastructure (V2I communications), and mobile devices to bring about transformative changes in highway safety, mobility, and the environmental impacts of the transportation system.
Michael C. Murphy Celebration of Life by Ray 1-20-15raymurphy9533
I wanted to share some family photos and my thoughts on celebrating my brother Mike life. He was Reverend Dr. Michael Murphy to many, but to family, he was simply Mike - these photos are more personal and depict the Mike the Murphy family knew. I have attempted to represent the truth of his life, as reflected as his brother for nearly 60 years and as the last Murphy along with my two sons, RayRay & Chris (and George IV) who are the only ones that will carry the Murphy name forward.
Thank you for all of your love & support!
FHWA Overview - Chicago HS for Agricultural Sciences Shadow Day 02-08-12raymurphy9533
On February 8, 2012 FHWA hosted 8 students from the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHSAS) http://www.chicagoagr.org/ visit our office as part of the National Groundhog Job Shadowing day; a national campaign that gives young people a new perspective on their studies through hands-on learning and a one-day mentoring experience http://www.americaspromise.org/News-and-Events/Partner-Events/Groundhog-Job-Shadow-Day.aspx
Posting travel times on dms webinar 042711raymurphy9533
The following Transportation agencies, Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Maryland State Highway Administration (M-SHA) will share lessons learned and best practices regarding Travel Time (TT) posting on Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) and the use of third party data services.
The webinar covered DMS Operations and:
• POLICIES…
• POSTINGS…
• UPDATES…
• WORK ZONES…
• VARIABLE SPEED LIMITS…
• PARTNERSHIPS: with Law Enforcement, TIM, etc…
• DATA RELIABILITY: data testing/history/accuracy…
• PUBLIC OUTREACH/MEDIA: customer feedback…
• MAINTAINING ASSETS: investment, financial aspects…
• EQUIPMENT: portable & fixed, characters, placement, detection…
.
Key Trends Shaping the Future of Infrastructure.pdfCheryl Hung
Keynote at DIGIT West Expo, Glasgow on 29 May 2024.
Cheryl Hung, ochery.com
Sr Director, Infrastructure Ecosystem, Arm.
The key trends across hardware, cloud and open-source; exploring how these areas are likely to mature and develop over the short and long-term, and then considering how organisations can position themselves to adapt and thrive.
JMeter webinar - integration with InfluxDB and GrafanaRTTS
Watch this recorded webinar about real-time monitoring of application performance. See how to integrate Apache JMeter, the open-source leader in performance testing, with InfluxDB, the open-source time-series database, and Grafana, the open-source analytics and visualization application.
In this webinar, we will review the benefits of leveraging InfluxDB and Grafana when executing load tests and demonstrate how these tools are used to visualize performance metrics.
Length: 30 minutes
Session Overview
-------------------------------------------
During this webinar, we will cover the following topics while demonstrating the integrations of JMeter, InfluxDB and Grafana:
- What out-of-the-box solutions are available for real-time monitoring JMeter tests?
- What are the benefits of integrating InfluxDB and Grafana into the load testing stack?
- Which features are provided by Grafana?
- Demonstration of InfluxDB and Grafana using a practice web application
To view the webinar recording, go to:
https://www.rttsweb.com/jmeter-integration-webinar
Accelerate your Kubernetes clusters with Varnish CachingThijs Feryn
A presentation about the usage and availability of Varnish on Kubernetes. This talk explores the capabilities of Varnish caching and shows how to use the Varnish Helm chart to deploy it to Kubernetes.
This presentation was delivered at K8SUG Singapore. See https://feryn.eu/presentations/accelerate-your-kubernetes-clusters-with-varnish-caching-k8sug-singapore-28-2024 for more details.
Essentials of Automations: Optimizing FME Workflows with ParametersSafe Software
Are you looking to streamline your workflows and boost your projects’ efficiency? Do you find yourself searching for ways to add flexibility and control over your FME workflows? If so, you’re in the right place.
Join us for an insightful dive into the world of FME parameters, a critical element in optimizing workflow efficiency. This webinar marks the beginning of our three-part “Essentials of Automation” series. This first webinar is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to utilize parameters effectively: enhancing the flexibility, maintainability, and user control of your FME projects.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
- Essentials of FME Parameters: Understand the pivotal role of parameters, including Reader/Writer, Transformer, User, and FME Flow categories. Discover how they are the key to unlocking automation and optimization within your workflows.
- Practical Applications in FME Form: Delve into key user parameter types including choice, connections, and file URLs. Allow users to control how a workflow runs, making your workflows more reusable. Learn to import values and deliver the best user experience for your workflows while enhancing accuracy.
- Optimization Strategies in FME Flow: Explore the creation and strategic deployment of parameters in FME Flow, including the use of deployment and geometry parameters, to maximize workflow efficiency.
- Pro Tips for Success: Gain insights on parameterizing connections and leveraging new features like Conditional Visibility for clarity and simplicity.
We’ll wrap up with a glimpse into future webinars, followed by a Q&A session to address your specific questions surrounding this topic.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your FME expertise and drive your projects to new heights of efficiency.
Kubernetes & AI - Beauty and the Beast !?! @KCD Istanbul 2024Tobias Schneck
As AI technology is pushing into IT I was wondering myself, as an “infrastructure container kubernetes guy”, how get this fancy AI technology get managed from an infrastructure operational view? Is it possible to apply our lovely cloud native principals as well? What benefit’s both technologies could bring to each other?
Let me take this questions and provide you a short journey through existing deployment models and use cases for AI software. On practical examples, we discuss what cloud/on-premise strategy we may need for applying it to our own infrastructure to get it to work from an enterprise perspective. I want to give an overview about infrastructure requirements and technologies, what could be beneficial or limiting your AI use cases in an enterprise environment. An interactive Demo will give you some insides, what approaches I got already working for real.
The Art of the Pitch: WordPress Relationships and SalesLaura Byrne
Clients don’t know what they don’t know. What web solutions are right for them? How does WordPress come into the picture? How do you make sure you understand scope and timeline? What do you do if sometime changes?
All these questions and more will be explored as we talk about matching clients’ needs with what your agency offers without pulling teeth or pulling your hair out. Practical tips, and strategies for successful relationship building that leads to closing the deal.
Neuro-symbolic is not enough, we need neuro-*semantic*Frank van Harmelen
Neuro-symbolic (NeSy) AI is on the rise. However, simply machine learning on just any symbolic structure is not sufficient to really harvest the gains of NeSy. These will only be gained when the symbolic structures have an actual semantics. I give an operational definition of semantics as “predictable inference”.
All of this illustrated with link prediction over knowledge graphs, but the argument is general.
GDG Cloud Southlake #33: Boule & Rebala: Effective AppSec in SDLC using Deplo...James Anderson
Effective Application Security in Software Delivery lifecycle using Deployment Firewall and DBOM
The modern software delivery process (or the CI/CD process) includes many tools, distributed teams, open-source code, and cloud platforms. Constant focus on speed to release software to market, along with the traditional slow and manual security checks has caused gaps in continuous security as an important piece in the software supply chain. Today organizations feel more susceptible to external and internal cyber threats due to the vast attack surface in their applications supply chain and the lack of end-to-end governance and risk management.
The software team must secure its software delivery process to avoid vulnerability and security breaches. This needs to be achieved with existing tool chains and without extensive rework of the delivery processes. This talk will present strategies and techniques for providing visibility into the true risk of the existing vulnerabilities, preventing the introduction of security issues in the software, resolving vulnerabilities in production environments quickly, and capturing the deployment bill of materials (DBOM).
Speakers:
Bob Boule
Robert Boule is a technology enthusiast with PASSION for technology and making things work along with a knack for helping others understand how things work. He comes with around 20 years of solution engineering experience in application security, software continuous delivery, and SaaS platforms. He is known for his dynamic presentations in CI/CD and application security integrated in software delivery lifecycle.
Gopinath Rebala
Gopinath Rebala is the CTO of OpsMx, where he has overall responsibility for the machine learning and data processing architectures for Secure Software Delivery. Gopi also has a strong connection with our customers, leading design and architecture for strategic implementations. Gopi is a frequent speaker and well-known leader in continuous delivery and integrating security into software delivery.
"Impact of front-end architecture on development cost", Viktor TurskyiFwdays
I have heard many times that architecture is not important for the front-end. Also, many times I have seen how developers implement features on the front-end just following the standard rules for a framework and think that this is enough to successfully launch the project, and then the project fails. How to prevent this and what approach to choose? I have launched dozens of complex projects and during the talk we will analyze which approaches have worked for me and which have not.
Slack (or Teams) Automation for Bonterra Impact Management (fka Social Soluti...Jeffrey Haguewood
Sidekick Solutions uses Bonterra Impact Management (fka Social Solutions Apricot) and automation solutions to integrate data for business workflows.
We believe integration and automation are essential to user experience and the promise of efficient work through technology. Automation is the critical ingredient to realizing that full vision. We develop integration products and services for Bonterra Case Management software to support the deployment of automations for a variety of use cases.
This video focuses on the notifications, alerts, and approval requests using Slack for Bonterra Impact Management. The solutions covered in this webinar can also be deployed for Microsoft Teams.
Interested in deploying notification automations for Bonterra Impact Management? Contact us at sales@sidekicksolutionsllc.com to discuss next steps.
GraphRAG is All You need? LLM & Knowledge GraphGuy Korland
Guy Korland, CEO and Co-founder of FalkorDB, will review two articles on the integration of language models with knowledge graphs.
1. Unifying Large Language Models and Knowledge Graphs: A Roadmap.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2306.08302
2. Microsoft Research's GraphRAG paper and a review paper on various uses of knowledge graphs:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/graphrag-unlocking-llm-discovery-on-narrative-private-data/
1. Road Weather Information Systems September 28, 2011 Ray Murphy, US DOT - FHWA Office of Technical Support
2. Ray Murphy ray.murphy@dot.gov BSEE – IIT in Chicago FHWA +10 yrs - program support: Road Weather Management Emergency Transportation Operations Real – Time Data Management + 20 yrs Illinois Dept. of Transportation: Operations, Maintenance, & Construction ITS Project Manager CEC Officer/Seabees & Engineer Mentor 2
16. Definition: Road Weather Information System (RWIS) and its associated Environmental Sensor Stations (ESS) . The term RWIS has a number of diverse definitions ranging from sensing and processing devices in the field to a composite of all weather and pavement information resources available to highway operations and maintenance personnel. For our purposes, RWIS can be defined as the hardware, software programs, and communications interfaces necessary to collect and transfer field observations to a display device at the user’s location. While the original purpose of the RWIS was to address winter weather conditions, applications have been developed to detect and monitor a variety of road weather conditions impacting road operations and maintenance. 12
17. An ESS consists of one or more sensors measuring atmospheric, pavement, soil, and/or water level conditions. 13
21. Prioritized RWIS Observations Precipitation Type Surface Temperature Surface Status (dry/wet) Precipitation Rate/Intensity Visibility Precipitation Accumulation Chemical Percentage Dew point Air Temperature Ice Percentage Freezing Point Temperature Depth of Water Layer Wind Speed Relative Humidity Wind Direction Barometric Pressure Subsurface Temperature Wind Gusts 17
22. Environmental Sensor Station (ESS) Operational Applications Traffic Managers Maintenance Managers Emergency Managers Dynamic Message Signs & Other Roadside Devices Information Service Providers Public & Private Weather Service Providers Environmental Monitoring Networks ESS data provides many benefits, in addition to improving road safety, mobility, and productivity, by supplying information on roadway conditions essential for traffic operations, traveler information, road maintenance, and emergency response. 18
23.
24. National Weather Service (NWS), military(public) and private weather service providers use these data to develop weather products, short-range forecasts, and forecast verification, and as input to locally run weather forecast models.
25. State climatologists can use ESS data for long-term records and climatological analyses.
26. Local, state, or Federal disaster assessment and response agencies (e.g., Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security) may use these data to manage emergencies and related response actions.19
29. RWIS ESS data can also be leveraged to support rail, pipeline, and marine operations when such operations are adjacent to or reasonably near the ESS.
30. Government and university Mesonetscan include these data to support the development of weather and road weather forecast models.20
31. What is a Mesonet? In meteorology, a mesonet is a regional network of automated observing surface weather stations designed to observe mesoscale (intermediate size) meteorological phenomena (weather features and their associated processes). Due to the space and time scales associated with mesoscale phenomena, weather stations comprising a mesonet will be spaced closer together and report more frequently. The term mesonet refers to the collective group of these weather stations, and are typically owned and operated by a common entity. 21
32. Why Mesonets? Mesoscale phenomena can cause weather conditions in a localized area to be significantly different from that dictated by the ambient large-scale condition. As such, meteorologists need to understand these phenomena in order to improve forecast skill. Observations are critical to understanding the processes by which these phenomena form, evolve, and dissipate. The long-term observing networks (RWIS, ASOS, AWOS), however, are too sparse and report too infrequently for mesoscale research. RWIS, ASOS and AWOS stations are typically spaced 40 to 100 miles apart. "Mesoscale" weather phenomena occur on a spatial scale of hundreds of miles. Thus, an observing network with finer temporal and spatial scales is needed for mesoscale applications. This need led to the development of the mesonet. 22
33. Mesoscale phenomena can cause weather conditions in a localized area to be significantly different from that dictated by the ambient large-scale condition. 23
34.
35. Diverse Planning Team: The planning team should also include local DOT personnel, especially maintenance personnel. These individuals typically possess a vast knowledge of weather conditions along the road segment they maintain. The maintenance personnel can provide critical input about recurring weather problems such as the locations of frequent slippery pavements, low visibilities, or strong gusty winds that suggest the need for an ESS installation. Additionally, local DOT personnel can often identify areas where an ESS sensor might be vulnerable to large snow drifts, flooding, or pooling water from spring thaws. 25
36. An analysis of the operational requirements Planning the ESS network should include an analysis of the operational requirements for road weather information. This analysis will drive the environmental sensor requirements and lead to decisions regarding sensor selection and siting. Considerations to include: How will the road weather information be used? For example, will the information be used to monitor roadway conditions as input to winter maintenance decisions or road temperature modeling, or to support weather-responsive traffic management, traveler information systems (e.g., 511 systems) or road construction efforts? Will the ESS be used to measure a site-specific condition or to provide information that may represent conditions across a general area? For example, installing a sensor to monitor the visibility along a fog-prone road segment may result in completely different siting decisions than if the requirement is to collect wind and temperature information for input to a road weather model. . 26
37.
38. For example, if a pavement sensor is to be included in an installation, the DOT may also want to install air temperature, humidity, and precipitation sensors to complement the pavement sensor data.
39. The precipitation sensor can help identify whether pavement sensor readings are indicative of new or continuing precipitation, while the temperature and humidity sensors will indicate whether conditions support the formation of frost.
40. DOTs may want to create a prioritized list of the road weather elements and sites they need to fulfill their requirements. Such an approach may help in making tradeoffs when data collection needs exceed available funding or when a phased approach to meeting statewide requirements is desired.
41. DOTs should also consider other sources of weather and pavement data that may be available to meet road weather information requirements. Developing data-sharing partnerships with other agencies may help satisfy RWIS ESS installation requirements while improving the availability of data to all partners. 27
48. Communications Standards A common communications interface is used for RWIS and other ITS devices from multiple vendors to exchange information. Those NTCIP standards used in RWIS applications are referred to as ESS standards. 29
67. Metadata are used to document the characteristics of each sensor and its siting to provide users an understanding of what the sensor data really represent
68. Standards have been developed for some geospatial metadata, but not for RWIS ESS location and sensor metadata35
69. Version 2.0 Updates Discussion of bridge anti-icing systems Added a section on “How to use this guide” Updated information on ESS maintenance Information about the ClarusInitiative Included a discussion on archaeological constraints, soil conditions & clear zones Included a reference to the Storm water Guide for storm water management ESS sites 36
82. RWIS in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Dawn Gustafson, P.E., Traffic and Safety Engineer Michigan Department of Transportation (906) 786-1830 ext. 316 gustafsond@michigan.gov October 13, 2009 40
84. NTCIP Compliant RWIS ESS Permanent Stations NTCIP compliant – V1 & V2 Can place in existing networks and poll with NTCIP-compliant software Hardware has no end-of-life Can easily replace existing stations Interfaces with many existing sensors from other vendors Compatible with existing towers & power supplies Lower replacement costs 42
85. Temporary or Seasonal Monitoring NTCIP-compliant Easy assembly and disassembly Any measurement can be made 43
92. Dam and Levee SafetySolar Power devices TxDOT Bridge Mount Weather & Stream Monitoring System SH35 at Brazos River Flooded Roadway Warning System with Automatic Barrier Gates W.W. White Rd, San Antonio, TX 44 44
97. Ability To Install an RWIS with minimal investment -- No RPU/Datalogger Needed Digital Interface Protocol Wind Sensor Pavement Sensor Small Compact RWIS with no RPU Modem Radio or Cellular Connection 46
105. Low Maintenance costs by firmwareInnovative principle:Microwaves–Doppler Radar Precipitation type (rain, snow, mixed rain, ice rain and hail) / Precipitation intensity (mm/h) Digital data communication with standard protocol and 2 digitale outputs 47
106. Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) have evolved into complete ITS platforms capable of monitoring any weather or traffic condition. Flash Food Traffic Flow Air Quality Pavement sensors have moved out of the road surface to allow for safer, less expensive maintenance, while also adding surface friction. Non-intrusive Sensors 48
107. Weather on the Go To supplement fixed RWIS mobile weather sensors are becoming increasing popular. When tied to an AVL system you are able to extend your road weather network. Measures: Air temperature Pavement temperature Dew Point Relative Humidity 49
114. data dissemination system that can provide near real-time atmospheric and pavement observations from the collective states’ investments in environmental sensor stations (ESS). www.clarusinitiative.org
120. Participation Status for Clarus as of August 24, 2011 *1st time showing mobile data sources! * Canadian Participation Local Participation City of Indianapolis, IN McHenry County, IL City of Oklahoma City, OK Kansas Turnpike Authority Parks Canada Clarus Connection Status Connected (37 States, 5 Locals, 4 Provinces) Connected plus vehicles (1 state) Pending (4 States, 3 Locals, 1 Province) Considering (3 States, 1 Local) Sensor & Station Count 2,253 Sensor Stations (ESS) 52,471 Individual Sensors 81 Vehicles * 55
130. Quality Checking Algorithms Step Test Like Instrument Test Observation compared to the same observation types from the ESS Observation compared to previous observations over a configured time range to determine if the rate of change (plus or minus) was acceptable Example: Values: 10 C, 12 C, 15 C, 35 C Test did not pass 59
131. Quality Checking Algorithms Persistence Test Dewpoint Test Observation compared to previous observations to determine if the values had changed at all over a period of time Example: Values: 38.6%, 38.6%, 38.7% Test passed Determine the neighbors Calculate a dewpoint value based on the temperature & relative humidity Conduct a spatial test 60
132. Quality Checking Algorithms Barnes Spatial Test IQR Spatial Test Observation compared to neighboring ESS and ASOS/AWOS to determine if they are similar Neighboring ESS and ASOS/AWOS identified Eliminate the neighbors that are +-350 meters Eliminate the highest and lowest neighboring values Observation compared to remaining neighbors to determine if they are similar Requires 5 initial neighbors for the test to run 61
133. Quality Checking Algorithms Sea Level Pressure Test Precipitation Accumulation Calculate a sea level pressure from the station pressure and then conduct a spatial test Conversion based on current 700mb Rawinsonde observations or 30-year average gridded data Applies to: 3-hour 6-hour 12-hour 24-hour Uses Stage II & IV precipitation files to accumulate the precipitation for comparison 62
134. Mobile Observations Data Need Elevation Observations are on the map for one hour Used in quality checking 63
135. Clarus Survey Conducted by ITSA from 15 June - 15 July 2011 Intent was to increase understanding of how Clarus is used by system customers 28 Participants: 13 State DOTs 6 private sector companies 4 academic institutions 3 Federal agencies 1 weather service provider 1 transit agency
136. Clarus Data Uses Monitor near real-time weather observations 61% use multi-state view 54% use in-state view Weather model input: 39% Evaluating maintenance needs on RWIS: 36% Use in other systems (e.g. 511) and weather forecasting: 29%
147. Vehicle Data Translator (VDT) Ancillary: Radar, Satellite, RWIS, Etc. VDT 3.0 Stage I Stage III Stage II Mobile data ingesters Segment module Inference Module Ancillary data ingesters QC Module QC Module Output data handler Output data handler Output data handler QC Module Parsed mobile data Advanced road segment data Basic road segment data Apps and Other Data Environments
160. Broad Transportation Applications VDT-based data Winter Maintenance – Which roads have been treated? Route Specific Impact Warnings for… Tornado Warning! I70 Denver to Limon Delay Until 3:30pm School Buses EMS Truckers
161. Weather-related Applications Numerical Weather Modeling Traffic Modeling and Alerting Weather Modeling – complex terrain Other surface transportation users
162. Integrated Mobile Observing & Dynamic Decision Support State DOT & Private Vehicle Data Connected Vehicle Data Capture VDT (NCAR) Clarus Other Connected Vehicle Applications
163. FHWA Road Weather Mgmt. Team Paul Pisano, Team Leader Dale Thompson FHWA Office of Operations USDOT RITA, JPO 202-366-1301 202-366-4876 paul.pisano@dot.gov dale.thompson@dot.gov Roemer Alfelor C.Y. David Yang FHWA Office of Operations FHWA Off. of Operations R&D 202-366-9242 202-493-3284 roemer.alfelor@dot.gov david.yang@dot.gov Gabriel Guevara Ray Murphy FHWA Office of Operations FHWA Off. of Tech. Services 202-366-0754 708-283-3517 gabriel.guevara@dot.gov ray.murphy@dot.gov
Editor's Notes
Adverse weather is our common enemy in road maintenance,traffi c, and emergency operations. Transportation agenciesare well aware of the operational and logistical challengesof such weather. Many agencies are fighting this age-oldbattle by implementing Road Weather Information Systems(RWIS). This requires that critical personnel be well-informedof the impacts and considerations of deploying RWIS. Thegoal of this course is to, not only discuss RWIS initiatives andconsiderations, but through workshops, exercises, and selfassessments,explore individual state and local deploymentchallenges which will leave participants with an action plantailored for their specifi c needs.
The Federal Highway Administration, the Aurora RWIS Pooled Fund Program, and the AASHTO Snow and Ice Cooperative Program partnered to produce this RWIS ESS Siting Guidelines. The guide lines provide a set of recommendations to support uniform siting of sensor stations that collect road weather observations for road weather information systems. The guidelines will also facilitate the development of a nationwide, integrated road weather observation network, which will aid in mitigating the effects of adverse weather on the highway system.
Campbell Scientific -Can place in existing networks: Because the stations are NTCIP-compliant, they will work in networks that are supported by NTCIP-compliant software.-Hardware has no end-of-life: As long as we can get replacement parts, we will continue to provide support for all of our hardware.-Can replace existing stations: Because our RPU can interface with many different sensor types, and because it can be mounted on an existing tower and use the existing power supply, the cost of such a replacement is low.-Free phone support: from Application Engineers at Campbell Scientific – directions, troubleshooting-Onsite support: Campbell Scientific is not a licensed contractor, so onsite support is limited by agreement with contractor – support for existing equipment, training, troubleshooting-Making your own changes: Adding or removing measurements requires programming changes which are done by the customer through Campbell Scientific programming software.-Perform maintenance: Maintain your own equipment on your own schedule and with no charge from Campbell Scientific.-No Contracts: No contracts related to hardware, data, or software from Campbell Scientific. (Depending on communications methods, you may have contracts with phone or internet companies.)
Campbell Scientific -Any measurement can be made: Our RPU can read RS-232, SDI-12, Modbus, Analog Voltage, Pulse, and Digital signals directly, and can read RS-485 and 4-20 mA signals through external devices.
1U NTCIP MiniRWIS Compact Remote Processing UnitSpecifically designed to integrate into existing infrastructure (ATC & DMS cabinets & signs)Full complement of atmospheric and road sensorsBuilt-in Surge SuppressorsSelected sensors drive dry contact output enabling optional local control of public safety devices (WRTMS)
The key to good software is having good data coming from the field. Many RWIS vendors today promise low cost solutions, but what are the long term costs of maintaining and repair? Vaisala has the most experienced road experts in the industry to be there to support the customer. Our non-intrusive pavement conditions and pavement temperature sensors are unmatched in the industry. The non-intrusive sensors are the future of RWIS! Reducing cost to maintain, and are safer to repair because there is nothing in the roadway. Customers can choose a solution of a video camera, a non-intrusive pavement sensor, and a non-intrusive condition sensor for less than many low cost RWIS solutions. All while maintaining the high quality and reliability.
Mobile weather data is the future of the industry. With the FHWA connected vehicle initiative more and more vehicles will be added to the mobile network. With the advent of AVL, data can now be passed back to a central location in near real-time. This gives the decision maker more information to make the best decision possible. Vaisala offers the most accurate, most reliable sensors in the industry. We can now monitor pavement temperature, air temperature, relative humidity, and dew point from these mobile sensors. Soon we will even be able to monitor surface condition from a moving vehicle.
The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Road Weather Management Program (RWMP) continues to support Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) applications that focus on roadway safety and mobility and at the same time promote technology deployments that help balance society’s need to protect the environment and maintain stable economic conditions. The program collaborates with NOAA, departments of transportation in each state, an important and vigorous private sector, the academic community, and professional societies such as the American Meteorological Society and other nongovernmental organizations, including the American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials. This presentation will provide an overview of the Clarus system, including a review of recent enhancements, and an update on mobile observing of weather and road conditions – including the Connected Vehicle Technology Challenge and the VDT (Vehicle Data Translator).
QCh Algorithms under review:Sea Level Pressure TestClimate Range TestBarnes Spatial Analysis TestPersistence TestSensor Range TestLike Instrument TestStep TestDew Point Temperature TestPlus the Manual Set FlagThe Completion Flag
- Customers: who uses the data, how they use it, how they get it, how often they use it, etc- 28 sample size is not very big; doesn’t meet statisticalminimum of 30 especially for such a diverse community
May want to ask the audience first before showing results to get their involvement; but may be time limitedWx model surprising #2 use – would not have guessed so high - 11 respondents with so few orgs who can run wx models. May be a result of folks thinking MDSS is a wx model – ok.3rd bullet: this is not evaluating general maintenance needs
Respondents were asked what is their primary means of accessing the data. 48% of respondents use the map service.
- Labeled new data “preferences” because survey question did not ask for “needs” per se,but “what data sources would be useful to their organizations”.- Note each response is independent from each other so %’s do not equal 100%.- Mobile data high rating because potential of mobile data getting a lot of “marketing” lately with smart phones, CV program, etc.
- Org impact may be the result of some DOTs just deciding to be wx-wise or not.“Clear primary” means the majority or top results had significant margins from results at next level i.e. large difference in % from #1 and #2.
The Clarus Initiative, established in 2004, is a multi-year program to organize and make available more effective environmental and road condition observation capabilities in support of four primary motivations: Provide a North American resource to collect, quality check, and make available surface transportation weather and road condition observations. Surface transportation-based weather observations will enhance and extend the existing weather data sources that will support general purpose weather forecasting. Collection of real-time surface transportation-based weather observations will support real-time operational responses to weather. Combining Clarus data with existing observation data will permit broader support for the enhancement and creation of models to enhance forecasts in the atmospheric boundary layer and near the earth’s surface.
Clarus is one of the “ancillary” data source feeding into Stage II of the process; Clarus and other data are used to perform quality checks on the mobile data and possibly support/enhance the mobile data used to make the inferences/roadway hazard assessments in Stage III
Derive data and communicationsrequirements for weather, road condition, and vehicle status variables from mobile platforms (Using State DOT vehicles as the source)Enhance and expand post-processing algorithms to turn the data into useful observations that are tied to existing mesonets (e.g., Clarus)Explore the use of these and other observations in weather-related decision support systems.Clarus will be transitioning over the next few years to the NWS mesonet as part of a “National Next Gen Network”. Schedule is TBDOther observations may include input from other mesonets and networks or State DOT information