Peace of mind in every snowstorm with a unified solution

When winter arrives, road safety and operational efficiency become top priorities for transportation agencies and contractors. The technology you choose for monitoring and managing road weather conditions can make all the difference – not just for today’s storms, but for years to come. Behind every safe, passable road in the harshest conditions lies a network of technology working around the clock - collecting, processing, and delivering critical information in real time. The challenge isn’t just gathering data, but ensuring that the data is accurate, reliable, and available 24/7 – a complex task. 

Achieving a high level of confidence in the data starts with accurate observations from reliable sensors. In addition, it demands a system designed from the ground up to handle the unique demands of winter, with built-in intelligence, seamless integration, and a commitment to quality that extends through every snowstorm and every season.

Let’s take a closer look at what truly delivers peace of mind throughout the entire product lifecycle when you choose the Vaisala Road Weather Station RWS200 - a purpose-built solution engineered for reference-grade performance and reliability.

Beyond the data: intelligent processing for demanding conditions

Modern road weather systems must do more than simply collect data – they need to transform raw measurements into actionable insights, especially when conditions are at their most challenging. The RWS200 is designed specifically for this purpose, a solution built for reliability and operational excellence. As a dedicated processing unit for road weather applications, it not only logs data from a wide array of sensors but also processes and analyzes this information in real time.

By running advanced multi-sensor algorithms, the RWS200 delivers highly accurate, context-aware information that supports confident decision-making for winter maintenance teams. This intelligent processing enables maintenance crews to respond proactively, ensuring safer roads for everyone – even in the harshest winter conditions.

• Advanced fusion algorithms: The remote processing unit (RPU) combines data from multiple sensors (e.g., road temperature, humidity, precipitation) to provide more accurate and reliable observations. For example, frost detection is enhanced by fusing data from road temperature, air temperature and humidity sensors.

Reference-grade performance, backed by quality and compliance

Every Vaisala RWS200 station is pre-configured as per the customer need and is fully tested at our factory, before shipping. Every component, from the sensors to the processing unit, is designed to work together as a single, unified system. This ensures:

• Peace of mind: Safe investment and end-to-end data security, with one technology provider responsible for the entire system. A Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) product that enables straight forward installation.
• Quality: System-level testing at the factory, ensuring high uptime and reliable performance over the product’s lifetime.
• Performance: Advanced algorithms, user-friendly graphical interface, and centralized system management for efficient operations.

Efficiency in installation, maintenance, and operations

Standardization is a key advantage of the RWS200. From wiring to documentation, every aspect is designed for efficiency:

• Factory-assembled and tested: Each station is assembled and configured at the factory, minimizing installation issues and ensuring a smooth start-up.
• Streamlined maintenance and easy calibration: Standardized wiring, quick guides, and a unified user interface make configuration, calibration, repair and other service actions straightforward, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
• Remote service capabilities: Field engineers can perform diagnostics, reboots, and even firmware updates remotely, saving time and reducing the need for on-site visits.

Continuous support and improvement

The RWS200 is designed to stay current and reliable throughout its entire lifecycle, benefiting from regular software and firmware updates. Vaisala’s commitment to lifetime care means:

• Frequent updates: Security patches and new features are delivered through regular releases, keeping your system up-to-date with the latest advancements.
• Comprehensive documentation: Manuals and guides are updated with every software release, covering everything from installation to preventative maintenance.
• Traceable compliance: The entire system is type-tested for EMC, environmental, and safety compliance, so you can be confident in its reliability and regulatory standing.
• No gaps in responsibility: From sensors to software, Vaisala ensures compatibility, security, and support – even as technology evolves

In summary: The Vaisala RWS200 is a unified solution that provides unmatched peace of mind - it’s a comprehensive, future-proof solution for winter road maintenance. With its advanced processing, intelligent sensor integration, robust compliance, and lifetime support, it empowers your team with accurate data to deliver safer, more efficient winter operations year after year. 

Reliable observations are the foundation of trustworthy data. By integrating accurate road weather observations into a forecasting platform, like Vaisala Xweather Horizon, you ensure your team will be equipped with actionable insights, enabling them to make informed and confident decisions.