Road Weather Information System
A Road Weather Information System (RWIS) comprises automatic weather stations (technically referred to as Environmental Sensor Stations (ESS)) in the field, a communication system for data transfer, and central systems to collect field data from numerous ESS. These stations measure real-time atmospheric parameters, pavement conditions, water level conditions, and visibility. Central RWIS hardware and software are used to process observations from ESS to develop nowcasts or forecasts, and display or disseminate road weather information in a format that can be easily interpreted by a manager. RWIS data are used by road operators and maintainers to support decision making.[1] Real-time RWIS data is also used by Automated Warning Systems (AWS). The spatial and temporal resolution can be that of a mesonet. The data is often considered proprietary although it is often ingested into numerical weather prediction models.
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Sensors
- Thermometer for measuring temperature and pavement conditions
- Anemometer for measuring wind speed
- Wind vane for measuring wind direction
- Visibility sensor for detecting fog and smoke
- Rain gauge for measuring precipitation
- [(Surface Sensor0-embedded)] for measuring road surface temperature and status [(temperature, dry, wet, water depth, chemical concentration)]
- [(Surface Sensor1-Non-Invasive)] for measuring road surface temperature and status [(temperature, dry, wet, water depth, chemical concentration, friction)]
- [(Sub-Surface Probe0)] for measuring below-grade temperature of roadway [(temperature, resistance measurement)]
