Why meteorological & weather management technology is key for airports
When you think of airports and the technology involved, people rarely consider meteorological and weather management technology. After all, navigation and even passenger and terminal operations seem more important. However, weather and management technology is more important than many people know. Read on to find out more about the meteorological and weather management technology used by airports around the world, what each piece of technology does for an airport and why it is essential for the ongoing operations of any modern airport.
Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS)
AWOS, or Automated Weather Observing Systems, are at the very heart of any airport’s weather monitoring systems going forwards. The advantage of using AWOS is the constant nature of it, providing real-time updates on factors such as precipitation, temperature and even humidity, reporting on the current situation so that pilots and ground control have a better idea of what to expect. Furthermore, the constant information stream means that forecasting is of a much higher quality, tailored and modified through a significant length of time and experience.
Meteorological sensors
Meteorological sensors are the individual pieces of technology airports use in establishing the weather at the current time. These sensors are in the areas around airports and are highly sensitive pieces of equipment measuring climate and weather. It tracks metrics such as the temperature, humidity, wind direction and, at times, oxygen permeation in the air. All of these features build up a better picture of the surrounding climate for assessment in the forecasting stage.
Runway Visual Range (RVR)
Runway Visual Rage is less of a strict piece of technology and more a concept. RVR is the distance from which pilots can see the markings pointing out the runway, acting as an essential part of establishing visibility in more difficult conditions. For example, in the case that the weather is extremely foggy, RVR is far lower than on a clear day. This is an essential indicator, informing the ground team as to whether or not the weather is safe enough to land. This information is relayed to more incoming planes, so pilots know what to expect on landing.
MET Forecasting/Visualization Systems
MET forecasting and visualisation systems play a significant role in the conversion of a weather forecast from complex information into an easily readable forecast. Rain probabilities and locations are, in reality, strings of digits and coordinates that mean very little to the layman. Visualisation systems convert this information into an easily read map of the area, indicating when and where precipitation is anticipated and the sort of temperatures that you might see. This is integral to an airport, especially in the case of Hamad International Airport in Qatar which often sees potential difficulties with planes overheating in the high temperatures.
Bayanat Engineering
If you’re interested in finding out more about meteorological and weather management technologies or want some to be installed on your premises, get in touch with the Bayanat Engineering team today. We are happy to discuss our range of systems and install them at a reasonable price point, getting your airport working at its fullest potential as soon as possible.