MAPPING OUT WINTER PERILS

The article describes the use of thermal maps, which can advise local authorities about whether and where they need to treat local roads against frost, snow and ice. The advanced computer technology, which is used to provide this information, was developed by Vaisala TMI Ltd, a UK subsidiary of a Finnish company which specialises in improving winter road maintenance and reducing weather hazards by using meteorological information. Vaisala's Route Optimisation system enables local authorities to reduce direct winter maintenance costs by at least 20%, by making treatment routes more efficient and rationalising the use of labour and resources. Road sensors are installed at key locations, and thermal mapping vehicles use an infrared thermometer to measure road surface temperatures. Thermal maps use colour codes to indicate the surface temperatures of different sections of road, so that they can show which sections are likely to remain relatively warm or cold during a given night. Treatment routes can be designed to operate within climatic weather domains, where weather will probably be similar. After the initial mapping exercise, treatment routes can be redesigned to make the best use of available resources. Highway authorities can telephone for advice if necessary. The system has also been used by four UK airfields.

• Corporate Authors:

  ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS

  EDGBASTON PARK, ROSPA HOUSE, 355 BRISTOL ROAD
  BIRMINGHAM,   United Kingdom  B5 7ST
• Authors:
  • CAVE, J
• Publication Date: 1996-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 9
• Serial:
  • CARE ON THE ROAD
  • Publisher: ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Frost; Geographic information systems; Highways; Ice; Improvements; Infrared radiation; Local government agencies; Maps; Measurement; Measuring instruments; Prevention; Temperature; Weather; Winter maintenance
• ITRD Terms: 6155: Apparatus (measuring); 2585: Frost; 8605: Geographical information system; 2755: Highway; 2578: Ice; 9108: Improvement; 6797: Infrared; 192: Local authority; 4074: Map; 6136: Measurement; 9149: Prevention; 6722: Temperature; 2545: Weather; 2593: Winter maintenance
• Subject Areas: Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Maintenance and Preservation; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00729747
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Dec 26 1996 12:00AM