Automation Of Visual Weather Observations
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Automation of Visual Weather Observations
A study was performed to determine the feasibility of objectively and automatically determining two key components of an aviation weather observation: present weather and obstruction to vision. The automated system utilized was an instrumented tower and surface array of sensors located at the AFGL Weather Test Facility (WTF), Otis AFB, Massachusetts. The objective method consisted of a decision-tree program (AUTO) based on several uniquely different responses by these weather sensors to the same weather phenomena and on discrimination techniques using tower and surface instrument comparison. The ability of AUTO to monitor rapidly changing weather events and to discriminate different types of weather is demonstrated through selected hourly periods of observations taken at 1-min intervals. Hourly observations generated over a 14-month period, March 1978 through April 1979, are compared with FAA observations to determine the effectiveness of AUTO. Major areas of agreement were found in the discrimination of fog, haze, snow, rain, and no weather. Final results show that the FAA observations of the existence and non-existence of obstructions to vision and present weather were duplicated in 82 and 86% of the cases. Thus the acquisition of real weather for an aviation weather observation, a duty presently performed by a human observer, is obtainable through an objective decision-tree program using an automated sensor array. (Author).
Investigation of Sensors and Techniques to Automate Weather Observations
Several sensors and techniques currently being investigated at the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory as part of its program to automate the observation of weather parameters are described. Included are a lidar cloud-height measuring system, a laser weather identifier, a decision tree approach for determination of present weather, a lidar slant visual range measuring system, and a tower mounted visibility meter approach for determination of slant visual range. (Author).
Automated Low-cost Weather Observation System (ALWOS)
One of the primary objectives of this program was to design a developmental model ALWOS for the lowest possible cost. Reliability and maintenance costs over the life of the system were considered in addition to the initial purchase and installation costs. To this end, field proven, off the shelf components were used wherever possible throughout the system. Another primary objective was modularity of design. The hardware and software were constructed to allow flexibility in interfacing a variety of sensors or adding additional sensors to measure new parameters. The ALWOS as configured at Dulles Airport is a low-cost and flexible system which can provide an automatic weather observation from the data acquisition, processing and display point of view, with the potential for good long-term system reliability. After a period of familiarization with the equipment and dealing with an assortment of system and sensor problems, the functioning of the system became relatively trouble-free. Evaluation of the ALWOS supports the generally accepted concept that automated, low-cost weather observation systems can indeed perform such a function given suitable sensing devices. (Author).