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U. S. Department Publication No. FHWA-NHI-04-160

of Transportation April 2004

**Federal Highway**

#### Administration

NHI Course No. XXXXXX

Fundamentals of Road Weather Management

## 

**Appendix A: Instructor Guide**

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**Table of Contents**

[I. Introduction 2](#i.-introduction)

[II. Executive Summary 2](#ii.-executive-summary)

[III. Course Organization 3](#iii.-course-organization)

[IV. Course Coordination 3](#iv.-course-coordination)

[V. Class Size 4](#v.-class-size)

[VI. Host Agency Responsibilities 5](#vi.-host-agency-responsibilities)

[Audiovisual Equipment Requirements
5](#audiovisual-equipment-requirements)

[Room Requirements 5](#room-requirements)

[Local Coordinator\'s Responsibilities
6](#local-coordinators-responsibilities)

[Training Site 6](#training-site)

[Participants and Instructors 7](#participants-and-instructors)

[Final Arrangements 7](#final-arrangements)

[Student Requirements 8](#student-requirements)

[VII. Target Audience 9](#vii.-target-audience)

[VIII. Course Goal and Outcomes 9](#viii.-course-goal-and-outcomes)

[Course Goal 9](#course-goal)

[Course Outcomes 9](#course-outcomes)

[IX. Course Agenda 10](#ix.-course-agenda)

[X. Instructor: Presentation Requirements
11](#x.-instructor-presentation-requirements)

[Before the Training Event Checklist
11](#before-the-training-event-checklist)

[During the Training Event 13](#during-the-training-event)

[After the Training Event 14](#after-the-training-event)

[XI. Lesson Plans and Visual Notes
14](#xi.-lesson-plans-and-visual-notes)

[Exercise -- Handout 5-1 49](#exercise-handout-5-1)

[Exercise (Answer Key) 50](#exercise-answer-key)

[Post-Course Exam 51](#post-course-exam)

[Acronym List 53](#acronym-list)

[Glossary 54](#glossary)

# I. Introduction

> The *Fundamentals of Road Weather Management* is a one-day course
> aimed at helping those involved in highway maintenance and operations
> develop techniques and strategies for tackling road weather problems.
> This course provides a basic knowledge of meteorology and addresses
> the technological resources available to support highway personnel in
> making effective road weather decisions.

# II. Executive Summary

Over the past 20 years, improvements have been made in the areas of road
sensors, anti-icing and information dissemination via tools such as Road
Weather Information Systems (RWIS). However, concerns still remain
regarding uniform standards and data sharing.

The *Fundamentals of Road Weather Management* is a one-day course aimed
at transportation professionals involved in highway maintenance, highway
safety, emergency management, and traffic management. The course
provides techniques and strategies for tackling road weather problems,
specifically designed for those individuals directly involved in the
implementation of road weather solutions and allocation of resources.
The course focuses heavily on resources and solutions, and how those
solutions can reduce the impact of adverse weather on road users and
highway personnel.

The following key points are covered in this course:

-   Impact of weather on highway operations.

    -   Discussion on the effects of weather on the traveling public and
        the impact of road weather on highway operation.

-   Fundamentals of meteorology, including how it pertains to Road
    Weather Information Systems.

    -   Includes discussion on the definitions of basic meteorology
        terms and the importance of climatology, tailored forecast and
        weather observations to roadway management.

-   Technical and institutional resources available for implementing
    Road Weather Information Systems.

    -   Key technological resources are identified for making road
        weather decisions, including challenges faced in implementing
        road weather technology.

-   Range of effective and open solutions to the various types of
    weather conditions for various management practices.

    -   Includes discussion on the importance of proactive planning and
        possible solutions to road weather challenges.

    -   Various solutions to road weather problems are analyzed and
        applied to local environment.

In summary, the purpose of this course is not to make participants
experts, but to provide them with the basic tools and resources needed
for effective road weather decisions, and direction on where to go for
more information.

# III. Course Organization

Two qualified FHWA-approved instructors will present this one-day course
using the curriculum materials, which includes an Instructor Guide, a
Participant Workbook, a Reference Manual, visual aids, and case studies.
In addition, the instructors need at least five flip charts and sets of
markers, one Internet connection and cable (if available), and
audiovisual equipment.

All participants receive copies of the Reference Manual, *Fundamentals
of Road Weather Management,* and Participant Workbook. The Reference
Manual is a comprehensive desktop reference, including website resources
and scenarios. The instructors also refer participants to it throughout
the conduct of the course.

The course is designed to run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Other time frames
can be accommodated, provided the State gives notice at the time the
course is requested. A preliminary agenda is shown in Section IX.

This course is divided into six distinct lessons, one of which is case
studies, as shown in the following table. Detailed lesson plans can be
found in Section IX, at the beginning of each lesson.

  --------- -------------------------------------------------- -----------
  Lesson \# Lesson Title & Description                         Est. Time
                                                               (minutes)

            Welcome                                            20

  1         Road Weather Problems                              55

  2         Meteorology for Non-Meteorologists, Part I         55

  3         Meteorology for Non-Meteorologists, Part II        50

  4         Technology: Resources & Implementation             60

  5         Case Studies, Part I                               45

  6         Case Studies, Part II                              45

            Wrap-up                                            30
  --------- -------------------------------------------------- -----------

# IV. Course Coordination

The NHI Training Program Coordinator, contractor for this course, course
instructors, and State DOT Training Coordinator will work together to
coordinate the delivery of this course. Usually, a State DOT Training
Coordinator will provide form FHWA-1530 with Requested Dates and
Training Sites to the NHI Course Scheduler, who, in turn, will contact
the course contractor. The contractor will then contact the State DOT
Training Coordinator and discuss possible dates for the course. Once a
list of potential dates is compiled, the contractor will check on the
availability of the instructors. The contractor will confirm the
delivery date with the State DOT Training Coordinator, NHI Course
Scheduler, and instructors.

The NHI Course Scheduler will then submit the FHWA-1530 with the agreed
date to the NHI Training Program Manager for approval. Once the NHI
Training Program Manager approves the FHWA-1530, the course session is
formally scheduled for the agreed dates and training site. This also
will authorize the contractor to conduct the course. A confirmation is
mailed to the instructor. The contractor will communicate with the host
State DOT Coordinator to:

-   Confirm times of instruction

-   Obtain directions to training facility

-   Discuss host State requirements (see Section V)

-   Obtain lodging recommendations for the instructors

-   Complete and submit the local case study form

-   Check the course material

The host State DOT should provide the State Strategic Plan and/or any
other State documentation that addresses the issues of road weather
management. That documentation will enable the instructors to gauge the
State\'s current position and local road weather issues, and
consequently, alter their presentations accordingly.

The State DOT will also be requested to submit recommendations on the
types of road weather problems they would like to be covered in the case
studies lesson. **The contractor will send the host State DOT
Coordinator a *Case Studies Questionnaire* to complete and return one
week prior to the course start date.**

The contractor will fax the Class Registration Form to NHI within five
days after the course, and mail the original Class Registration Form,
course evaluations, and student registration forms to the NHI Training
Program Manager. The contractor usually will send a thank you note to
the State DOT Coordinator. The NHI Training Program Coordinator will
send copies of the evaluation forms to the State DOT Coordinator.

# V. Class Size

The maximum class size permitted by NHI is 30 people; however, the
smaller the class sizes the better with a minimum of 20. NHI will ship
30 copies of the Reference Manual, Participant Workbook and the
Administrative Package to the State DOT Training Coordinator to the
address shown on the Course Request form (1530). We recommend that the
State DOT Training Coordinator distribute the manuals to the
participants one week prior to the course, encouraging them to review
the manual before coming to class. In the event the Reference Manual
cannot be distributed prior to the course, a copy of it, along with the
Participant Workbook, should be placed at each participant\'s seat by
the State DOT Training Coordinator prior to the beginning of the first
day of class. A writing pad and pen also should be provided for each
participant. NHI will provide a registration form, tent cards for
participants name, course evaluation forms, student registration form
and course certificates. The State coordinator must notify the NHI
Course Scheduler concerning any changes to the number of manuals or to
the shipping address.

# VI. Host Agency Responsibilities 

## Audiovisual Equipment Requirements

Visual aids for this course comprise PowerPoint presentations and flip
charts. The instructors may also identify and walkthrough websites
relevant and helpful to road weather management if possible. The
following audiovisual equipment is necessary for delivery of this
course:

-   LCD projector compatible with a notebook computer and cables for
    proper connection (e.g., InFocus or similar make)

-   Internet connection and cable (if available)

-   Spare projector bulb

-   Electronic remote device to advance slides in PowerPoint
    presentation, if available

-   Projection screen (at least 6' x 6')

-   TV and VCR

-   Pointer (preferably laser type)

-   Twenty-foot or longer extension cord

-   Whiteboard with dry erase pens and eraser

-   Flip charts (at least five)

-   Large markers, assorted colors (at least five sets)

-   Large black markers for participant tent cards (at least one for
    every two participants should be placed at their workspace)

All equipment should be placed in the room for the instructors to check
at least one hour prior to the first day of the course. The host State
should provide technical assistance during this time and contact
information for technical assistance during the presentation of the
course.

## Room Requirements

The room should be large enough to accommodate workspace and chairs for
up to 30 participants and 2 instructors plus the aforementioned
equipment---a large conference room or classroom.

Instructors should be able to arrange the classroom, as they deem most
appropriate given the exact number of participants. (The ideal
arrangement allows participants to interact with the instructors and
each other; e.g., a U- or V-shape arrangement, clusters of work areas,
etc. Avoid \"lecture hall\" type of arrangements.) All participants
should be able to see the screen and instructors; however, participants
and instructors should be able to move about the room without
obstruction.

A preparation table and presentation table should be provided for the
instructors. The room should be in a quiet area and have a lighting
system that permits convenient dimming of the lights, especially where
the screen is located.

## Local Coordinator\'s Responsibilities

The local coordinator is responsible for preparing the site prior to the
instructor\'s arrival. Below is a checklist of the items the local
coordinator should prepare prior to the instructors arrival. It is
recommended that the instructors contact the local coordinator to ensure
these steps have been taken.

## Training Site

Before the instructor\'s arrival, the local coordinator should verify
the following accommodations are in place for the training site:

-   Selection of a training room is critical to the success of the
    course. Great care should be taken to select a room that will not be
    overcrowded, too hot or too cold, or subject to outside
    distractions. The instructor should contact you with any specific
    requirements for the training facility

-   Reserve a training room for the duration of the course

-   Check to see if anyone else will be using the room for nighttime
    functions

-   Determine if books and equipment can be left in the room. Training
    courses, requiring special equipment or computers, must have after
    hours security

-   Visit the classroom to make certain it meets all of the
    instructor\'s requirements

Other considerations for a training room:

-   Heat or air conditioning-find out if the instructor can control
    these

-   Adequate shape and size. No poles or obstructions

-   Special arrangements for demonstrations, labs and experiments

-   Seating arrangements

-   Away from kitchen, construction area or other noise distractions

-   Electrical outlets

-   Lighting controls -- Almost every training course uses visual aides
    that require a projection screen. It is important to have a room
    where lighting can be controlled to prevent glare on the screen
    while not placing the room in total darkness

Consider the following points for using visual aides:

-   Will shades completely darken all windows?

-   Can the lights be selectively dimmed when showing slides or
    viewgraphs?

-   Will overhead lights shine directly on the screen?

-   Can a bulb be removed above the screen or will the whiteboard be too
    dark?

## 

## Participants and Instructors

-   If needed, reserve a block of hotel/motel rooms for the course
    participants and instructors. Some hotels will provide a free
    meeting room if a minimum number of participants stay at the hotel

-   Participants and instructors should be:

    -   Informed of course starting and ending times

    -   Advised on hotel accommodations and room rates, check out times

    -   Furnished with maps

    -   Advised on parking arrangements

## 

## Final Arrangements

Two Weeks Before The Course:

-   Make sure an approved copy of COURSE REQUEST AND CONFIRMATION (Form
    FHWA 1530) has been received. If not, call NHI Course Scheduler
    at (703) 235-0528

Check that all training materials have arrived:

-   Participant workbooks

-   Tent cards (large felt tip markers will be needed)

-   Evaluation forms

-   Class roster form

-   Student registration form

-   Certificates

Other checks:

-   Reconfirm the training facilities

-   Discuss the seating arrangements and who will set-up the room

-   Discuss what time the room is unlocked/locked

-   Check to make sure a technician is available in case there are
    problems setting up the room or if something goes wrong during the
    course

One Week Before The Course:

-   Complete and return the *Case Studies Questionnaire*

-   Prepare directional signs to classroom

-   No smoking in the classroom. Signs should be posted or written on
    the whiteboard

-   Identify smoking areas

-   Determine if snacks are available

-   Identify where telephones are - both for participants to make
    outgoing calls and to receive incoming messages

-   Pass out a list of eating places for lunch, along with a map

-   Decide who will welcome the participants and introduce the
    instructors

-   Special check out arrangements may be made to coincide with the
    course completion time

-   Determine who will prepare the certificates of training and who will
    pass them out at the end of the course

One Day Before The Course:

-   Set-up the Classroom

-   Organize the participant materials

-   Post directional signs

-   Test all equipment

During The Course:

-   Let the instructor know whom to contact if he/she needs assistance

-   Provide a copy of the class roster for all course participants

-   Prepare certificates of training. The time needed to prepare them
    may be reduced and the appearance improved by using a computer with
    a graphics program and a laser printer

-   Check with the instructor at least once a day to resolve any
    problems

After The Course:

Make certain the instructor has the class roster, course evaluation
forms, and student registration forms. The instructor is responsible for
sending these items to NHI.

## 

## Student Requirements

In addition to the Reference Manual and Participant Workbook, the State
DOT should provide notepads and pens, or instruct participants to bring
notepads and pens with them.

# VII. Target Audience

The *Fundamentals of Road Weather Management* is a one-day course for
transportation professionals involved in highway maintenance, highway
safety, emergency management, and traffic management. Specifically, this
course is designed for those individuals directly involved in the
implementation of road weather solutions and allocation of resources.
The course focuses heavily on resources and solutions, and how those
solutions can reduce the impact of adverse weather on road users and
highway personnel. Please note that initial course delivery is aimed at
FHWA field staff, but the course is equally suitable for State and local
transportation and public works agencies.

# 

# VIII. Course Goal and Outcomes 

## Course Goal

The purpose of this course is to introduce the resources and basic
information needed to effectively manage road weather issues. While some
of this information may not be new to participants, this course will
focus on using the presented KSA\'s (knowledge, skills and abilities) to
effectively solve road weather issues. The goals of this course are to:

-   Identify and discuss road weather problems

-   Discuss the resources available to support effective road weather
    decision-making

-   Enable participants to apply their knowledge, skills, and abilities
    to road weather management

## 

## Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1\. Examine the impact of weather on highway operations

> 2\. Discuss the fundamentals of meteorology, including how it pertains
> to Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS)
>
> 3\. Identify the technical and institutional resources for
> implementing Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS)
>
> 4\. Examine the range of effective and open solutions to the various
> types of weather conditions for various management practices

# IX. Course Agenda

**Length**

**Time Lesson Title (minutes)**

8:30-8:50 Welcome 20

8:50-9:45 Lesson 1: The Road Weather Problem 55

9:45-10:00 Break 15

10:00- 10:55 Lesson 2: Meteorology for Non-meteorologists Part I 55

10:55-11:10 Break 15

11:10- 12:00 Lesson 3: Meteorology for Non-meteorologists Part II 50

12:00-1:00 Lunch 60

1:00-2:00 Lesson 4: Technology: Resources & Implementation 60

2:00-2:15 Break 15

2:15 - 3:00 Lesson 5: Solutions to RWP - Case Studies Part I 45

3:00-3:15 Break 15

3:15-4:00 Lesson 6: Solutions to RWP - Case Studies Part II 45

4:00-4:30 Wrap-up 30

# X. Instructor: Presentation Requirements 

## Before the Training Event Checklist

> Confirm the training dates, location, and number of participants.
> (Thirty is the maximum number of participants.)
>
> 1\. Ensure you have the following materials.

-   Instructor Guide, one copy for each instructor

-   PowerPoint Presentation or transparencies of presentation slides

-   Participant Workbook, one copy for each participant

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-   Reference Manual, one copy for each participant

-   A computer loaded with Windows® 98 and PowerPoint 2000 or an
    overhead projector for displaying transparencies

-   An LCD projector compatible with a notebook computer (e.g., InFocus
    or similar make), if the State cannot provide one.

-   Cables necessary to connect projector to computer, if the State
    cannot provide the projector

-   Spare projector bulb, if the State cannot provide the projector

-   Electronic remote device to advance slides in the PowerPoint
    Presentation, if available

-   Completed road weather issues questionnaire

-   List of participants, complete with profiles summarizing their
    positions, responsibilities, and experience

-   Case study materials---at least 5 copies for each case study---as
    follows:

    -   Problem Statement

    -   Flipchart Paper

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```
-   Course Evaluation, 30 copies (one for each participant)

2\. Read and study the Instructor Guide, PowerPoint Presentation,
Reference Manual, and any State documentation that addresses issues of
road weather management. Review case study materials and select the most
appropriate cases studies for your audience. Familiarize yourself with
the Participant Workbook.

3\. Arrange for equipment and supplies from the State DOT. Ensure you
have the following:

-   LCD projector compatible with a notebook computer (e.g., InFocus or
    similar make), if possible

-   Cables necessary to connect projector to computer, if possible

-   Spare projector bulb, if possible

-   Electronic remote device to advance slides in PowerPoint
    presentation, if available

-   Projection screen

-   Power strip

-   Twenty-foot or longer extension cord

-   TV and VCR

-   Whiteboard with drimark pens and eraser

-   Flip charts (at least five)

-   Large markers, assorted colors (at least seven sets)

-   Large black markers for student name tents (at least one for every
    two participants)

-   Masking tape (at least two rolls)

4\. Make copies of the Course Agenda (page 10) or prepare the agenda
(below) on a flip chart page. (Cover the agenda with the flip chart
pad\'s cover or a blank flip chart page, and leave it covered until you
review it during the training event. Then post it on the wall so it is
visible during the entire event.)

+----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
| *  | Welcome and Introduction -- 20 min.                             |
| *A |                                                                 |
| ** | Lesson 1, The Road Weather Problem -- 55 min.                   |
|    |                                                                 |
| *  | Break -- 15 min.                                                |
| *G |                                                                 |
| ** | Lesson 2, Meteorology for Non-meteorologists Part I -- 55 min.  |
|    |                                                                 |
| *  | Break -- 15 min.                                                |
| *E |                                                                 |
| ** | Lesson 3, Meteorology for Non-meteorologists Part II -- 50 min. |
|    |                                                                 |
| *  | Lunch -- 1 hour                                                 |
| *N |                                                                 |
| ** | Lesson 4, Technology: Resources & Implementation -- 1 hour      |
|    |                                                                 |
| *  | Break -- 15 min.                                                |
| *D |                                                                 |
| ** | Lesson 5, Solutions to Road Weather Problems -- Case Studies,   |
|    | Part I -- 45 min.                                               |
| *  |                                                                 |
| *A | Break -- 15 min.                                                |
| ** |                                                                 |
|    | Lesson 6, Solutions to Road Weather Problems -- Case Studies,   |
|    | Part II -- 45 min.                                              |
|    |                                                                 |
|    | Wrap-Up -- 30 min.                                              |
+----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+

5\. Prepare the following ground rules on a flip chart page. (Cover the
ground rules with the flip chart pad\'s cover or a blank flip chart
page, and leave it covered until you review it during the training
event. Then post it on the wall so it is visible during the entire
event.)

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| **G   | -   Participate                                              |
| R**   |                                                              |
|       | -   Be on time                                               |
| **R   |                                                              |
| U**   | -   Stay on task                                             |
|       |                                                              |
| **O   | -   Share responsibility for training                        |
| L**   |                                                              |
|       | -   Listen when others talk                                  |
| ####  |                                                              |
|   U E | -   Respect the opinions and attitudes of others             |
|       |                                                              |
| **N   | -   Use flip chart "Parking Lot"                             |
| S**   |                                                              |
|       | -   Turn off cell phones and pagers                          |
| ##    |                                                              |
| ##  D |                                                              |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

6\. Ensure the room is set-up properly (i.e., tables and chairs are
arranged to maximize interaction, projectors do not block participants\'
lines of sight, flip charts are convenient to you and visible to
participants, etc.).

7\. Test the equipment.

8\. Arrange materials so they are convenient for you and the
participants. On the first day, ensure each participant\'s place has:

-   One copy of the Reference Manual (unless the State distributed them
    beforehand; in which case, each participant should bring his or her
    copy)

-   One copy of the Participant Workbook and CD

-   One tent card

-   One pen and pad (unless the State has instructed participants to
    bring then-own)

-   One black marker for every two participants (so they can write their
    names on the tent card)

## 

## During the Training Event

1\. Arrive early. Give yourself plenty of time to get organized.

2\. Start on time and stay on track. Always start on time, even if only
one participant is in the room. Keep exercises within their time limits.
End discussions when they cease to be productive. Lead participants away
from digressions and tangents, and back to the lesson.

3\. Be available during breaks and after class for questions.

4\. Mentor participants during the preparation of case studies. Walk
among groups as they work on their case studies, and answer questions
and offer guidance as appropriate. Ensure participants are on track as
they work. Give constructive feedback during the case study solutions
presentations and discussions.

5\. Review Questions: Throughout and at the end of each lesson review
questions should be asked to reinforce the learning outcomes for that
lesson and to connect to upcoming material. As a general rule, review or
discussion questions should be asked every 6-8 slides. Avoid YES or NO
questions and try to use open-ended questions to draw participants into
the material. Sample review questions are available in the Instructor\'s
guide; however, the instructor can also develop additional questions.
Make sure all questions directly relate to and support the learning
outcomes.

6\. Lesson Outcomes: At the beginning of each lesson, review that
lesson\'s outcomes. Make sure participants are fully aware of the topics
to be addressed in the lesson. Then, at the end of each lesson, review
the outcomes once again using review questions or an activity/exercise
to ensure the outcomes were met.

## 

## After the Training Event

Have participants complete evaluations.

# 

# XI. Lesson Plans and Visual Notes

This section, beginning on the next page, contains the lesson plans and
visual notes for each lesson.

Lesson 4

Technology: Resources and Implementation

60 minutes

***Lesson 4: Technology: Resources and Implementation***

+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Lesson Number: | 4                                                   |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Lesson Title:  | Technology: Resources & Implementation              |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Per            | Identify the technical and institutional resources  |
| formance-Based | for implementing Road Weather Information Systems   |
| Learning       | (RWIS).                                             |
| Outcomes:      |                                                     |
|                | -   Identify key technological resources available  |
|                |     to you for making road weather decisions/       |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   Identify the challenges faced in implementing   |
|                |     road weather technology.                        |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Instructional  | The instructors will begin the lesson with a        |
| Method:        | question and answer session on participants'        |
|                | experiences with road weather information           |
|                | technologies. Participants will be asked to name    |
|                | technological resources they find useful, resources |
|                | they have not like and resources they have heard of |
|                | but have not had an opportunity to use. As they     |
|                | come up in discussion the instructors will list any |
|                | issues or challenges these technological resources  |
|                | create on a flipchart.                              |
|                |                                                     |
|                | The instructors will use a PowerPoint presentation  |
|                | to describe the various technological resources     |
|                | available and their benefits. The implementation    |
|                | challenges of these resources will also be          |
|                | addressed.                                          |
|                |                                                     |
|                | At the end of the lesson, participants will be      |
|                | presented a road weather issue pertinent to their   |
|                | environment, and asked to discuss what resources    |
|                | they would use to successfully treat that road      |
|                | weather issue.                                      |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Instruction    | Day 1, PM                                           |
| Day:           |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Time           | 60 minutes                                          |
| Allocation:    |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Evaluation     | Participants' learning will be evaluated by their   |
| Plan:          | participation, questions or activity/exercise.      |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| References:    | -   Aurora --                                       |
|                |     [http://www.                                    |
|                | aurora.program.org](http://www.aurora.program.org/) |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   FHWA -- <http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather>   |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image4.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | Display this screen during the lunch break.           |
| Message:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | N/A                                                   |
| In           |                                                       |
| formation:** |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | #### N/A                                              |
| ractivity:** |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

# 

![](media/image5.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | The purpose of this lesson is to review the           |
| Message:**   | technology options available for road weather         |
|              | management, and to discuss the pros and cons of these |
|              | technological resources.                              |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | N/A                                                   |
| In           |                                                       |
| formation:** |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | #### Ask participa                                    |
| ractivity:** | nts to look closely at the learning outcomes and star |
|              | t thinking about the technologies current in use at t |
|              | heir agency and what they like or dislike about them. |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image6.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | -   Why do we recommend technology in the management  |
| Message:**   |     of road weather issues?                           |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What resources are available and what issues do   |
|              |     you face when using technology?                   |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | Why use technology:                                   |
| In           |                                                       |
| formation:** | -   Make your operations more efficient and           |
|              |     effective.                                        |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   To provide a higher level of service.             |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Keep roads safer and keep traffic moving.         |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **Example:** Success stories using technology         |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Maintenance managers in Idaho reduced crashes by  |
|              |     83 percent, labor hours by 62 percent, and        |
|              |     material costs by 83 percent by using road        |
|              |     weather sensors to manage the application of      |
|              |     anti-icing treatments.                            |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   In Tennessee, a fog detection and warning system  |
|              |     on I-75 resulted in fog-related crashes declining |
|              |     from more than 200 between 1973 and 1993, to just |
|              |     one between 1994 and 2002.                        |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | #### Use this slide to provoke tho                    |
| ractivity:** | ught on technology and get the conversation started.  |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Ask participants about their experiences with road    |
|              | weather technology. Have a volunteer record           |
|              | participant's responses on a flipchart. Here are some |
|              | questions to begin this discussion, when you are      |
|              | satisfied with the level of response received,        |
|              | continue to the next slide.                           |
|              |                                                       |
|              | 1.  What technological resources to you find helpful  |
|              |     for making road weather decisions?                |
|              |                                                       |
|              | 2.  Which resources have you not like and why?        |
|              |                                                       |
|              | 3.  Which resources have you heard about but not had  |
|              |     an opportunity to use and why?                    |
|              |                                                       |
|              | 4.  What issues and challenges have you faced in      |
|              |     implementing technology?                          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | 5.  What solutions have you found to those            |
|              |     challenges?                                       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Wrap up the discussion with a focus on solutions as   |
|              | why we use technology. Explain that now we will       |
|              | address the available technological resources and     |
|              | then discuss implementation challenges.               |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Ask if there are any questions before continuing.     |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   | If you are getting a lot of negative responses,       |
|              | explain that this lesson will provide more            |
|              | information and participants should keep an open mind |
|              | to the possibilities of technology.                   |
|              |                                                       |
|              | You will have one hour for this lesson. Try to limit  |
|              | this conversation to no more than 10 minutes.         |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image7.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | RWIS is the main technological resource available for |
| Message:**   | managing road weather issues. The history of road     |
|              | weather management systems goes back to the 1970's    |
|              | and advances in technology have come quickly. Today,  |
|              | RWIS technology is more dependable and accurate.      |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | **1970:** In the early 1970s, devices were tested to  |
| In           | detect and monitor conditions on bridge decks to aid  |
| formation:** | in the timely treatment of localized icing conditions |
|              | resulting from first. The first roadway installations |
|              | proved unsuccessful.                                  |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **1980:** In the early 1980s, this technology made    |
|              | great advances and was introduced to the general      |
|              | highway environment to aid in the selection of        |
|              | appropriate snow and ice control measures. In the     |
|              | late 1980s, the term Road Weather Information Systems |
|              | (RWIS) was developed.                                 |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **1990 -- Today:** RWIS now refers to the whole       |
|              | spectrum of data collection, analysis, dissemination, |
|              | and display of road weather information. These        |
|              | advances have made the system a key player in the     |
|              | Road Weather Management arena.                        |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | #### Ask participants:                                |
| ractivity:** |                                                       |
|              | -   Who has any experience with the early versions of |
|              |     RWIS?                                             |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What did you think?                               |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What do you think of the improvements?            |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Next we'll take a look at why RWIS is a valuable road |
|              | weather management tool.                              |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image8.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | The components of RWIS include ESS, Processing        |
| Message:**   | systems, forecasts, models and other weather sources. |
|              | These components make RWIS valuable for making road   |
|              | weather decisions in all kinds of conditions.         |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | More information on the components of RWIS:           |
| In           |                                                       |
| formation:** | -   A set of roadway atmospheric and pavement         |
|              |     condition monitoring equipment, or sensors.       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | ```{=html}                                            |
|              | <!-- -->                                              |
|              | ```                                                   |
|              | -   Data collection and distribution systems for      |
|              |     measurements from the sensors.                    |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Equipment for the display and presentation of the |
|              |     measurements.                                     |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Forecasts of weather and pavement conditions      |
|              |     based partly on the measurements from the sensors |
|              |     and weather data available from sources including |
|              |     the National Weather Service (NWS), Value Added   |
|              |     Meteorological Services (VAMS), various satellite |
|              |     broadcast systems; and the Internet.              |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **Example:** Anti-icing programs use RWIS to get      |
|              | information on the pavement temperature, which is     |
|              | something you cannot get from typical weather         |
|              | services. This information helps road crews know how  |
|              | best to treat the roadways and prevent dangerously    |
|              | icy conditions.                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | Review the components of RWIS and explain that we\'ll |
| ractivity:** | discuss each component in more detail on the next few |
|              | slides.                                               |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image9.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | ESS, or Environmental Sensor Stations, consist of a   |
| Message:**   | suite of atmospheric and roadway sensors plus a       |
|              | remote processing unit (RPU). Each sensor station     |
|              | covers a small segment of a highway. There are about  |
|              | 1200 RPUs in the U.S.                                 |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | -   There are about 4 million route miles of public   |
| In           |     roads in the U.S., but only 662,000 miles are     |
| formation:** |     under state administration.                       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   The National Highway System (NHS) consists of     |
|              |     only 160,000 route miles (mostly freeway and      |
|              |     primary arterials), or about 4% of the total, but |
|              |     carries 44% of all vehicle-miles traveled.        |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   If one assumes that most of the ESS RPUs are on   |
|              |     the NHS that means that there is about one RPU    |
|              |     per 133 route miles.                              |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   This RPU spacing is gradually being reduced each  |
|              |     year with the installation of additional ESS by   |
|              |     highway DOTs.                                     |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | #### Read the definition.                             |
| ractivity:** |                                                       |
|              | #### Ask part                                         |
|              | icipants: What types of data are collected by an ESS? |
|              |                                                       |
|              | #### After particip                                   |
|              | ants finish listing items, switch to the next slide.  |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image10.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | Environmental sensor stations can gather all these    |
| Message:**   | types of data on the localized area where they are    |
|              | placed. This local and specific information can now   |
|              | be combined with the weather information gathered     |
|              | from weather services to determine the best course of |
|              | action before, during and after a weather event.      |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | N/A                                                   |
| In           |                                                       |
| formation:** |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | ##                                                    |
| ractivity:** | ## Compare this list to items mentioned by participan |
|              | ts on the previous screen. Discuss any discrepancies. |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image11.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | Explain the data flow from the sensor to the **Remote |
| Message:**   | Processing Unit** (RPU) tower to the **Central        |
|              | Processing Unit (CPU)** and finally to the end        |
|              | user\'s workstation. It is this flow of information   |
|              | that provides road weather management teams with real |
|              | time information.                                     |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | Functions of the RPU:                                 |
| In           |                                                       |
| formation:** | -   Gather data from sensors                          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Process data                                      |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Determine significant changes                     |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Store data in memory                              |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Communicate and transfer data to the CPU          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Functions of the CPU:                                 |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Collect data from RPU\'s                          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Process data                                      |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Store current and historical data                 |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Transfer data to user workstation in various      |
|              |     display formats                                   |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Functions of the User Workstation:                    |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Display information received from CPU, once the   |
|              |     CPU has processed the information, in text and    |
|              |     graphic form.                                     |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Store historical data for extended periods.       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Provide high-resolution color graphics.           |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Communicate externally via modem.                 |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Connect to printer for text output and color      |
|              |     graphic output.                                   |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Connect directly to CPU via RS-323 cable          |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | Briefly review the functions of the RPUs CPU\'s and   |
| ractivity:** | User Workstations.                                    |
|              |                                                       |
|              | #### Ask partic                                       |
|              | ipants if they have any questions before we continue. |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image12.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | Data collected from RWIS is then combined with        |
| Message:**   | weather information received from the NWS,            |
|              | high-resolution modeling and any services contracted  |
|              | with a VAMS to create RWIS forecasts and models for   |
|              | use in road weather management.                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | Weather forecasts are either provided by the ESS      |
| In           | vendor or if a VAMS has been contracted, by the VAMS  |
| formation:** | using sensor data from an ESS.                        |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | Using the information on the slide, briefly discuss   |
| ractivity:** | the types **of** forecasts and models available       |
|              | through the use of RWIS. Then recap the information   |
|              | discussed thus far using the questions below before   |
|              | continuing on to discuss the benefits of RWIS.        |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Ask participants:                                     |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Does anyone have experience using forecasts and   |
|              |     models provided by RWIS?                          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What do you like or dislike about the information |
|              |     provided?                                         |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Refer participants to handout 4-9 showing an example  |
|              | of one provider consolidating this information into a |
|              | forecast.                                             |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Next, recap this section before continuing on to the  |
|              | next section. Can ask participants:                   |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What other types of information might be useful   |
|              |     from these types of models? (ex: Pavement icing)  |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   | Time Check: You should be no more than 25 minutes     |
|              | into the hour at this time.                           |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image13.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | This slide depicts various ways that the information  |
| Message:**   | collected from RWIS is disseminated to the public.    |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | Some key methods of information dissemination         |
| In           | include:                                              |
| formation:** |                                                       |
|              | -   [Kiosks]{.underline}: Available in some state     |
|              |     travel and tourist stops along major highways,    |
|              |     these kiosks provide motorists with road          |
|              |     conditions for the roads they are traveling.      |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   [Various Message Boards]{.underline}: These signs |
|              |     are strategically positioned along the roadside   |
|              |     to warn motorists of road surface conditions and  |
|              |     the resulting road weather decisions, road        |
|              |     closures, reduced-visibility problems, icy bridge |
|              |     warnings, traction aid requirements, commercial   |
|              |     traffic limitations, and special speed limit      |
|              |     requirements.                                     |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   [Websites]{.underline}: Several State DOT's       |
|              |     provide detailed RWIS information on their        |
|              |     websites where the public can go and check        |
|              |     several statistics for a given stretch of road at |
|              |     a given time.                                     |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   [511]{.underline}: A new telephone hotline number |
|              |     where motorists can call to receive updates on    |
|              |     road weather conditions in the area where they    |
|              |     are traveling.                                    |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   [HAR (Highway Advisory Radio)]{.underline}: A     |
|              |     localized radio frequency for disseminating       |
|              |     travel information.                               |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **Example:** Variable Message Boards                  |
|              |                                                       |
|              | [Nevada]{.underline}: Uses automated input to VMS and |
|              | boards to warn of changeable speed limits based on    |
|              | data from ESS sensor input.                           |
|              |                                                       |
|              | [Minnesota]{.underline}: Uses warning signs to warn   |
|              | of icy road or bridge conditions at the entrance/exit |
|              | to a tunnel.                                          |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | #### Discuss the various methods of dissemination an  |
| ractivity:** | d who benefits from this information (traveling publi |
|              | c, other agencies and transportation personnel, etc.) |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image14.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | Why are the benefits of suing an RWIS system in your  |
| Message:**   | agency? Improved safety, Mobility, and Economic       |
|              | Recovery (Vitality)                                   |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | Here are some key benefits of using RWIS to manage    |
| In           | road weather issues:                                  |
| formation:** |                                                       |
|              | -   Improved weather forecasts.                       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Better prepared drivers.                          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Reduced Road Patrols, labor and equipment hours.  |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Lower snow and ice control, material, equipment   |
|              |     and labor costs.                                  |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Increased efficiency of resource allocation.      |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Increased cost-effectiveness of call-outs and     |
|              |     overtime.                                         |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Improved labor productivity and increased level   |
|              |     of service.                                       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Increased efficiency of paving operations         |
|              |     scheduling.                                       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Improved traffic flow.                            |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | #### A                                                |
| ractivity:** | sk participants: What are the benefits of using RWIS? |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Write participant responses on a flipchart. Or have a |
|              | participant in the class come up and write the group  |
|              | responses for you.                                    |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Once you have a good list started (4-5 items min.)    |
|              | compare the items shown in background information to  |
|              | the participants' list.                               |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image15.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | On this slide are a handful of agencies that have     |
| Message:**   | RWIS websites providing information to the public on  |
|              | road weather conditions. A critical data-sharing tool |
|              | for both the traveling public and other agencies.     |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Discuss why data sharing is important and why it is   |
|              | currently a challenge or an issue for some agencies.  |
|              | The key point is that operating and maintaining the   |
|              | systems varies across agencies.                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | Data sharing issues:                                  |
| In           |                                                       |
| formation:** | -   The ESS system is one agency is not integrated    |
|              |     with that of another agency.                      |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   The data formats from the RPUs vary and may even  |
|              |     be proprietary.                                   |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   The quality of the data is not uniform because of |
|              |     varied calibration procedures and maintenance     |
|              |     practices.                                        |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Very little of the data is generally available    |
|              |     for either NWS or VAMS processing unless the ESS  |
|              |     vendor also acts as a VAMs.                       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Some state DOTs, have developed web sites for the |
|              |     display of the data coming from the ESS. Portions |
|              |     of these websites are available to the public     |
|              |     under restricted conditions, while other portions |
|              |     are password protected.                           |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   There is a movement by some state DOTs to share   |
|              |     data from their ESS with other state DOTs.        |
|              |     However, this is more of the exception than the   |
|              |     rule.                                             |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | #### Ask participants:                                |
| ractivity:** |                                                       |
|              | -   What are some of the issues involved with using   |
|              |     RWIS that you have experienced?                   |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Were you able to resolve these issues or how do   |
|              |     you think they could best be resolved?            |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   | [Time Check]{.underline}: You should be at 35 minutes |
|              | past the hour.                                        |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image16.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | Recap the benefits, component and issues involved in  |
| Message:**   | using RWIS.                                           |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | N/A                                                   |
| In           |                                                       |
| formation:** |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | If time ask participants:                             |
| ractivity:** |                                                       |
|              | -   When was the first RWIS device to detect and      |
|              |     monitor conditions on bridge decks first tested?  |
|              |     **A:** **Early 1970s**                            |
|              |                                                       |
|              | ```{=html}                                            |
|              | <!-- -->                                              |
|              | ```                                                   |
|              | -   What does RWIS mean today? **A.** **Data          |
|              |     collection, analysis, dissemination and display   |
|              |     of road weather information. (Answers may also    |
|              |     vary to include components or outcomes of RWIS    |
|              |     such as ESS or forecasts, etc.)**                 |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What are the four main components of RWIS? **A:** |
|              |     **ESS, Processing Systems, Forecasts and Models,  |
|              |     and Dissemination.**                              |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What types of data does an ESS collect? **A:**    |
|              |     **Air temperature, Dew point, Humidity, Surface   |
|              |     condition, Pavement temperature, Visibility,      |
|              |     Chemicals, Precipitation, Wind speed, and         |
|              |     Subsurface conditions.**                          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What are the key benefits of using RWIS for road  |
|              |     weather management? **A:** **Improved safety,     |
|              |     mobility and economic recovery.**                 |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What is currently the main issue in RWIS data     |
|              |     sharing across agencies? **A:** **Operating and   |
|              |     maintaining the systems varies across agencies.   |
|              |     There is not a universal standard.**              |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Have participants take out and complete Exercise 5-1  |
|              | located on page 15 of their Participant Workbook.     |
|              |                                                       |
|              | When you are comfortable with participant's grasp of  |
|              | RWIS concepts, move on to the next slide and a        |
|              | discussion of additional technological resources.     |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image17.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | Additional technological resources available for      |
| Message:**   | making road weather management decisions include      |
|              | satellites, mesonets, thermal mapping and the new     |
|              | MDSS.                                                 |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | 1.  The Mesonet image shown above is from             |
| In           |     http://met.utah.edu/mesowest                      |
| formation:** |                                                       |
|              | 2.  The MDSS image provided by:                       |
|              |     <http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/Weather/MDSSRollOut.htm> |
|              |                                                       |
|              | There are multiple methods of delivering these        |
|              | additional resources, including satellite, Internet,  |
|              | wireless, etc.                                        |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | **Ask participants:**                                 |
| ractivity:** |                                                       |
|              | -   What do you think are some of the additional      |
|              |     technology resources available for making road    |
|              |     weather decisions?                                |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Who has experience with any of these resources    |
|              |     and do you find it useful?                        |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Continue on the next slide to learn more about each   |
|              | of these resources (slides 4-15 thru 4-18).           |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   | If participants provided answers not shown here,      |
|              | explain that these are the most commonly available    |
|              | sources and we'll address these now. Should anyone    |
|              | want to discuss other options we can talk at the      |
|              | break.                                                |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image18.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | Thermal Mapping: A process of determining thermal     |
| Message:**   | profiles of road surfaces and other climatological    |
|              | information.                                          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | The key benefit of thermal mapping include: It        |
|              | enables you to move from point-to-point extending the |
|              | pavement temperature forecast, to use fewer pavement  |
|              | sensors and to determine the best place to get the    |
|              | most reliable data from pavement sensors.             |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | Thermal Mapping data include:                         |
| In           |                                                       |
| formation:** | -   Pavement temperature                              |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Air temperature                                   |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Relative humidity                                 |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Climatological characteristics of pavement        |
|              |     environment                                       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Highway location                                  |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Thermal Mapping is most useful:                       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Where anti-icing operations are conducted.        |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Areas where reduced chemical usage exists.        |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Where a number of different microclimates exist   |
|              |     in a given area.                                  |
|              |                                                       |
|              | How is thermal mapping currently used?                |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   To document warm/cold highway spots               |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Help new staff identify critical highway spots    |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Assist in forecasting pavement temperatures       |
|              |     between sites                                     |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Assist with existing RWIS locations and in        |
|              |     planning future locations                         |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Improve allocation of maintenance resources       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **Example**: Nevada DOT used thermal mapping results  |
|              | to check recommended locations of ESS on the Nevada   |
|              | side of the Tahoe Basin and to develop pavement       |
|              | temperature forecasts between ESS sites.              |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | **Ask participants:** Who can define thermal mapping? |
| ractivity:** |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image19.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | For surface transportation professionals, the main    |
| Message:**   | impact from weather satellites is the images that are |
|              | shown on TV (such as the local news or the Weather    |
|              | Channel). These give a broad view of the locations on |
|              | fronts, storms or areas of fair weather.              |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Taking a progression of pictures provides the ability |
|              | to observe a storm system's movement and/or evolution |
|              | (growth or decay).                                    |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | Satellite imagery is only one part of the arsenal     |
| In           | needed to accurately observe the weather on Earth.    |
| formation:** | Satellites are combined with radar, aircraft, ship,   |
|              | and surface observations, weather balloons,           |
|              | profilers, etc., to get a picture of the current      |
|              | state of the atmosphere so that predictions can be    |
|              | made.                                                 |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | Ask participants if they have any questions or        |
| ractivity:** | personal experiences with satellite broadcast systems |
|              | to share.                                             |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image20.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | A mesonet is a collection of weather observing        |
| Message:**   | stations typically combining data from multiple       |
|              | agencies and applications.                            |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Sources for developing mesonets include RWIS          |
|              | stations, airport stations, agricultural stations,    |
|              | etc.                                                  |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | Mesonet data is:                                      |
| In           |                                                       |
| formation:** | -   Collected centrally                               |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Delivered publicly via a website                  |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Used to provide information by a wide             |
|              |     geographical area                                 |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Used by researchers to study severe weather       |
|              |     events                                            |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Example: A mesonet developed by the University of     |
|              | Utah's Cooperative Institute for Regional Prediction  |
|              | in cooperation with the Utah DOT, and NOAA including  |
|              | the NWs. There are nine State DOT's participating.    |
|              |                                                       |
|              | The Utah Mesonet relies on weather observing networks |
|              | managed by Federal, State, local agencies and private |
|              | firms. Support for the Utah project is provided by    |
|              | the NWS and is used operationally by them to monitor  |
|              | weather conditions around the region in order to      |
|              | protect lives and property.                           |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Researchers, to understand severe weather events,     |
|              | such as winter snowstorms and damaging winds, also    |
|              | use the Mesonet extensively.                          |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | Ask participants if they have any questions or        |
| ractivity:** | personal experiences with mesonets to share.          |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image21.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | The primary goal of a Decision Support System is to   |
| Message:**   | integrate weather, road condition, and resource       |
|              | information in order to facilitate the decision       |
|              | making process.                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | This image is a screen capture from an Experimental   |
| In           | Decision Support System                               |
| formation:** |                                                       |
|              | The DSS enables state DOT's to:                       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   View predicted weather conditions throughout the  |
|              |     state                                             |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Become aware of the potential for deteriorating   |
|              |     road conditions before they occur                 |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Predict impacts of weather on road conditions     |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Plan treatment scenarios based on available       |
|              |     resources, such as using chemicals and plowing    |
|              |     roads                                             |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Receive treatment recommendations based on proven |
|              |     rules of practices                                |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Benefits:                                             |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Reduced operating expenses                        |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   A higher level of service, which result in safer  |
|              |     and smoother highway operations and traffic flow  |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | Ask participants if they have any questions or        |
| ractivity:** | personal experiences with other types of              |
|              | technological resources to share before you continue. |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Explain to participants that in the next section      |
|              | we'll review the most common implementation           |
|              | challenges when using technology.                     |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image22.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | There are four key technology implementation          |
| Message:**   | challenges, shown on this slide.                      |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | ##### Technical Challenges                            |
| In           |                                                       |
| formation:** | Implementing a new technology involves several        |
|              | technical issues. You want to make sure the           |
|              | information you gather is best. Here are some         |
|              | technical questions to consider when implementing a   |
|              | new system:                                           |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   How many sensors and where should they be         |
|              |     located?                                          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What are the power and permit requirements for    |
|              |     each ESS?                                         |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Where should the CPU or server be located?        |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   How many user workstations need access?           |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What long and short-range forecast services do we |
|              |     need?                                             |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Do we need a satellite broadcast system?          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What data do we need to disseminate and to whom?  |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   How will coordination and communication be        |
|              |     handled between the agency decision makers, RWIS  |
|              |     service providers and weather forecast providers? |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   How and when will road weather decisions be       |
|              |     disseminated to those who need them, including    |
|              |     highway, traffic, emergency and safety personnel? |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   How and when will updates be disseminated?        |
|              |                                                       |
|              | #####                                                 |
|              |                                                       |
|              | ##### Standards                                       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   The procurement specifications for new RWIS       |
|              |     equipment should require that the system be       |
|              |     compliant with the ESS National Transportation    |
|              |     Communications for ITS Protocol (NTCIPS).         |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   NTCIP is the generic name for the set of          |
|              |     standards that define how roadside services talk  |
|              |     to a central system. In the case of RWIS, there   |
|              |     is a specific set of standards defining how the   |
|              |     RPU of an ESS communicates with the CPU, or       |
|              |     server, at some control center.                   |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   ENTERPRISE (a pool-fund organization consisting   |
|              |     of seven U.S. State DOTs, Canada, and the         |
|              |     Netherlands) has developed a set of standard test |
|              |     procedures, which have been automated in Trevilon |
|              |     Ntester software which is available for free      |
|              |     download from Trevilon's website.                 |
|              |                                                       |
|              | ##### Personnel                                       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **Change Factor**: Human beings tend to resist        |
|              | change, especially, when it is connected with new     |
|              | technology that appears to challenge old ways of      |
|              | doing business. In order to be proactive and 'stay    |
|              | ahead of the storm,' people must adapt to new         |
|              | technologies and resources such as RWIS. This         |
|              | typically requires a cultural change in the way road  |
|              | weather decisions have been made in the past.         |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **Delegation and Responsibility:** Consider the       |
|              | following questions before starting work with a new   |
|              | technology.                                           |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Who or what group will be responsible for         |
|              |     maintaining the RWIS network?                     |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Who or what group will be responsible for         |
|              |     monitoring the output from the ESS along with the |
|              |     weather status and weather forecast information?  |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Who or what group will be responsible for making  |
|              |     road weather decisions?                           |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **Training:** Ask the following questions to          |
|              | determine who needs what type of training:            |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Who needs to be trained?                          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What do individuals need to know in order to      |
|              |     successfully complete their work using this       |
|              |     technology?                                       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What training programs are available?             |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Where will training take place? And when?         |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Why is a technological resource in use?           |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **Threshold Challenges:**                             |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Location                                          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Budget                                            |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Physics                                           |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **Examples:**                                         |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   The physics governing the formation of frost or   |
|              |     localized icing on bridge decks can determine     |
|              |     what type and the location of sensors should be   |
|              |     used in connection with bridge deck icing         |
|              |     problems.                                         |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Location constraints can prevent the placement of |
|              |     an ESS in an ideal location. Some of these        |
|              |     constraints are due to terrain, right-of-way      |
|              |     limitations, limited access to power, limited     |
|              |     communication reception, etc.                     |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Budget constraints can impose limitations to the  |
|              |     RWIS network size, its maintainability, and its   |
|              |     expandability.                                    |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | Take approximately 10 minutes to discuss each of the  |
| ractivity:** | challenges shown here in more detail.                 |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Questions regarding "Standards" you can ask           |
|              | participants:                                         |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Who is familiar with the RWIS standards?          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What does NTCIP stand for? **A: National          |
|              |     Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol.** |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Do you find them helpful and/or effective?        |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Questions regarding "people" you can ask              |
|              | participants:                                         |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What are the benefits of people using RWIS and    |
|              |     accepting this change in the way they work?       |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What are some possible solutions to the           |
|              |     implementation challenge associated with          |
|              |     delegation and responsibility issues?             |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Who do you think is most in need and least likely |
|              |     to receive training? What is your argument for    |
|              |     why they should get training?                     |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Questions regarding "threshold" you can ask           |
|              | participants:                                         |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What types of threshold issues have you           |
|              |     experienced?                                      |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   Were you able to resolve these issues? How?       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image23.wmf)

+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Key        | Recap the outcomes.                                   |
| Message:**   |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Background | N/A                                                   |
| In           |                                                       |
| formation:** |                                                       |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inte       | Ask participants as many questions as time permits to |
| ractivity:** | ensure the outcomes have been met. Because of time    |
|              | constraints, however, this should take no more than 5 |
|              | minutes. Below are some sample questions you can use. |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Recap the lesson with these quick questions:          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What are the four main components of RWIS?        |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **A: ESS, Processing Systems (RPU, CPU, or Server),   |
|              | Forecasts and Models, and Dissemination (Message      |
|              | Boards, Kiosks, Websites, 511, HAR)**                 |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What types of data are collected by ESS?          |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **A: Pavement temperature, air temperature, relative  |
|              | humidity, dew point, wind direction, wind velocity,   |
|              | visibility, precipitation types and rate.**           |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What types of data does thermal mapping collect?  |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **A: Pavement temperatures, air temperature, and      |
|              | highway location.**                                   |
|              |                                                       |
|              | -   What are some of the key issues faced when        |
|              |     implementing road weather technologies?           |
|              |                                                       |
|              | **A: Technical issues, the change factor, threshold,  |
|              | location, coordination, communication, delegation and |
|              | responsibility, etc.**                                |
|              |                                                       |
|              | Participants are now welcome to take a 10-minute      |
|              | break. Remind participants to return on time because  |
|              | you begin Lesson 5 in exactly 10 minutes. Note the    |
|              | time and tell participants the time you expect them   |
|              | back.                                                 |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+
| **Notes:**   | Do not skip this exercise. The review questions are a |
|              | critical way to determine if participants received    |
|              | the information covered. Questions should directly    |
|              | address the outcomes and be used to ensure outcomes   |
|              | have been met.                                        |
|              |                                                       |
|              | During the break, if you have not already done so,    |
|              | prepare the weather terms for the case studies.       |
|              | (Write each term on a piece of paper, fold and place  |
|              | in a cup, jar, etc.)                                  |
+--------------+-------------------------------------------------------+

# 

# Exercise -- Handout 5-1

**Instructions:** Match the technological resource or device on the
right -- with its RWIS component on the left. Write in the **number** of
the resource or device in the space next to its related component.

Component of RWIS Resource/Device

ESS \_\_\_\_\_ 1. RPU

\_\_\_\_\_ 2. Value added Meteorological Services

(VAMS)

Processing Systems \_\_\_\_\_ 3. Kiosks

\_\_\_\_\_ 4. Pavement icing

Forecasts and Models \_\_\_\_\_ 5. Road sensors

\_\_\_\_\_ 6. Variable message boards

Dissemination \_\_\_\_\_ 7. Sensor stations

\_\_\_\_\_ 8. CPU

# Exercise (Answer Key)

This exercise is designed to measure participants' knowledge of the
components in a Road Weather Information System (RWIS). Copy and
distribute Handout 5-1 to participants. Direct them to read the
instructions at the top of the handout. Then, allow 5 minutes for
participants to perform the exercise.

The participant handout is shown below, with the correct answers. After
completion, discuss the correct answers with participants, and answer
any questions they might have.

Component of RWIS Resource/Device

ESS \_\_[5]{.underline}\_\_ 1. RPU

\_\_[7]{.underline}\_\_ 2. Value added Meteorological Services

(VAMS)

Processing Systems \_\_[1]{.underline}\_\_ 3. Kiosks

\_\_[8]{.underline}\_\_ 4. Pavement icing

Forecasts and Models \_\_[2]{.underline}\_\_ 5. Road sensors

\_\_[4]{.underline}\_\_ 6. Variable message boards

Dissemination \_\_[3]{.underline}\_\_ 7. Sensor stations

\_\_[6]{.underline}\_\_ 8. CPU

Fundamentals of Road Weather Management

# Post-Course Exam

\*\*\*This is only a portion of the Post-Course Exam. It contains only
questions that relate to Lesson 4.\*\*\*

Instructions: Please do not write on the test. Record your answers on
the answer sheet.

Read each question carefully and indicate the letter of the best
response on the answer sheet. Please choose only one answer for each
question. The Participant Workbook, other course materials, and a
calculator may be used during the exam. All questions are worth five
points for a total point value of 100 points. A total of 70 points is
required for passing.

1\. Which of the following is not generally a component of a Road
Weather Information System (RWIS)?

(A) Equipment for the display and presentation of measurements

(B) Data processing systems

(C) Data distribution systems for measurements from sensors

(D) National Weather Service (NWS)

2\. All of the following are types of forecasts from data provided by an
Environmental Sensor Station (ESS) vendor or a Value-Added
Meteorological Service (VAMS) except

(A) Snow accumulation

(B) Pavement temperature

(C) Visibility

(D) Precipitation

3\. Which of the following is not an example of a technological resource
available for making road weather decisions?

(A) RJ-45

(B) Mesonet

(C) Thermal mapping

(D) Satellite imagery

4\. Resistance to change, especially when it is connected with new
technology that appears to challenge old ways of doing business,
illustrates which of the following key challenges in implementing
technology?

(A) Technical

(B) Universal standards

(C) Personnel

(D) Threshold

Fundamentals of Road Weather Management

**Answer Key & Learning Outcomes Measured**

###### Post-Course Exam

**Question Answer Learning Outcome(s) Measured**

> **1 D 1**
>
> **2 C 1**

**3 A 1, 2**

**4 C 2**

#  

# Acronym List

CPU Central Processing Unit

CVU Commercial Vehicle Operators

DSS Decision Support System

ESS Environmental Sensor Stations

Hazmat Hazardous Materials

MDSS Maintenance Decision Support System

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration

NTCIP National Transportation Communications

for ITS Protocol

NWS National Weather Service

PMA Primary Market Area

RPU Remote Processing Unit

RWIS Road Weather Information Systems

TMC Traffic Management Center

VAMS Value-Added Meteorological Services

# Glossary

+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| **Decision Support  | A system that integrates weather, road         |
| System**            | condition, and resource information to         |
|                     | facilitate road weather information decision   |
| **(DSS)**           | making.                                        |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| **Environmental     | A suite of atmospheric and roadway sensors,    |
| Sensor**            | plus a remote processing unit (RPU).           |
|                     |                                                |
| **Station (ESS)**   |                                                |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| **ENTERPRISE**      | A pool-fund organization, consisting of seven  |
|                     | U.S. state Departments of Transportation,      |
|                     | Canada, and the Netherlands, that has          |
|                     | developed a set of standard test procedures    |
|                     | for implementing road weather technology.      |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| **Humidity**        | The amount of moisture (e.g., water vapor) in  |
|                     | the atmosphere.                                |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| **Maintenance       | An FHWA initiative to develop a decision       |
| Decision**          | support system (DSS) for winter road           |
|                     | maintenance.                                   |
| **Support System    |                                                |
| (MDSS)**            |                                                |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| **Mesonet**         | A collection of weather observing stations     |
|                     | typically combining data from multiple         |
|                     | agencies and applications.                     |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| National            | The generic name of standards that define how  |
| Transportation      | roadside services talk to a central road       |
|                     | weather information system.                    |
| Communications for  |                                                |
| ITS                 |                                                |
|                     |                                                |
| **Protocol          |                                                |
| (NTCIP)**           |                                                |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| Road Weather        | The main technological resource available for  |
| Information         | managing road weather issues. Refers to a      |
|                     | coordinated system of data collection,         |
| **Systems (RWIS)**  | analysis, dissemination, and display of road   |
|                     | weather information.                           |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| **Value added       | A for-hire company which develops specific     |
| Meteorological**    |                                                |
|                     | Services (VAMS) weather planning programs for  |
| **Services (VAMS)** | businesses and industries.                     |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+