Module 3

 

Weather Information, Data Sources (RWIS ) and Its Use

 

This module contains five separate lessons, however, this number is subject to change as industry standards change. 

 

Each lesson will require approximately 4 hours of instructional time.

 

Each student will receive a student lesson manual to be used for future reference.

 

Each lesson is numbered for easy identification for accurate record keeping.


Expand/Collapse Item ISC 103 (1)     Basics of Weather and Weather Forecasts

 

                                    Upon completion of this lesson, each student will be able to:

§         Identify the five global weather zones.

§         Describe regional weather patterns.

§         Identify the types and sources of weather information.

§         Describe how long-range, medium range, and short range forecasts can be used effectively to support winter maintenance operations.

§         Define nowcasting

§         Explain how weather changes can be monitored.

 

 

Expand/Collapse Item ISC 103 (2)     Basics of Roadway Weather Information Systems

 

                                    Upon completion of this lesson, each student will be able to:

§         Identify the components of a road weather information system (RWIS).

§         Explain the functions of RWIS pavement and atmospheric sensors.

§         Explain how RWIS data can be used to improve decision making in the winter maintenance environment.

 

 

Expand/Collapse Item ISC 203 (1)     Selection of Weather Related Services & Equipment

 

                                    Upon completion of this lesson, each student will be able to:

§         Identify the weather needs of an organization

§         Define the elements of a good weather forecast

§         Develop specifications for a weather services contract

§         Evaluate contract proposals for weather services

 

 

Expand/Collapse Item ISC 203 (2)     Advanced Roadway Weather Systems Planning & Operation

 

                                    Upon completion of this lesson, each student will be able to:

§         Inventory the weather-based resources presently available to the organization 

§         Perform a "gap analysis" to determine what is needed.

§         Develop a systems approach to integrate present resources with future needs

§         Identify barriers to implementation of a systems approach

 

 

Expand/Collapse Item ISC 203 (3)     Roadway Weather Information Systems Specifications & Purchasing

 

                                    Upon completion of this lesson, each student will be able to:

§         Perform a market survey for available hardware and software capabilities 

§         Develop a set of performance specifications for needed hardware and software

§         Manage the purchasing process for optimum results