WTI

WeatherShare

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. Phase 1 Deliverable
   1. Xianming Shi, Shaowei Wang, Ian Turnbull, Mandy Chu, Stephen Albert
   2. 425069_Phase_I_Deliverable.pdf
2. WeatherShare: Phase 1 Proof-of-Concept
   1. Stephen Albert and Douglas Galarus
   2. 425069_Phase_I_Proof_Concept.pdf
3. WeatherShare Concept of Operations
   1. Xianming Shi
   2. 425069_ConOps.pdf

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to streamline currently available weather data from Caltrans Roadway Weather Information Systems (RWIS) sites, National Weather Service sites, the U.S. Forest Service, and other sources available in the Redding area into one accessible source in a manner that is easily accessible by incident responders and potentially the traveling public.

Project Abstract

Caltrans District 2 has a wide array of data available detailing road and weather conditions in the district, including a growing RWIS network and weather stations maintained by other state and federal agencies. There is great potential for the use of this information for purposes ranging from maintenance and traveler safety to homeland security and emergency medical response. Currently, though, the data is underutilized because the means for accessing the data are inefficient. Caltrans District 2 has identified the need to develop a single application for accessing all available weather condition data.

Task Descriptions

1. Evaluation
   1. The final months of the project, after installation of the final system, will be occupied by the evaluation task. This task will involve working with end users to determine the success of the final system, determine if it succeeds in meeting the goals and objectives of the project, identify the lessons learned through the project, identifying additional steps, and determining how similar systems can be developed in other areas. Task 12.1 Develop Evaluation Plan Task 12.2 User Surveys and Interviews Task 12.3 Identify Lessons Learned Task 12.4 Identify Additional Steps Task 12.5 Identify Replicability Issues Task 12.6 Draft Evaluation Report Task 12.7 Caltrans Report Review Task 12.8 Final Evaluation Report
2. Research Additional Sources for Weather Data
   1. With many agencies providing weather information for their work environment, these sites could have the possibility of providing more data sources for the road and weather assessment system. WTI will also research the option of adding weather forecasts to the system. Task 9.1 Identify Additional Data Sources Task 9.2 Weather Forecasts Task 9.3 Gather New Data
3. Requirement Assessment
   1. Using the initial system as a tool, WTI will work with the end users to identify and document the final system requirements. Task 8.1 Questionnaire Task 8.2 Interviews and Focus Groups Task 8.3 Document Requirements Task 8.4 Requirements Walkthrough Task 8.5 Baseline Final Requirements Task 8.6 Requirements Management
4. Develop Final System
   1. ask 10 is composed of multiple sub-tasks that lead to a final product. The initial system will be upgraded to feedback received during the analysis of Task 9. Depending on the upgrades required to the product a subcontractor may or may not be include in this section. Task 10.1 Decide If a Subcontractor Is Necessary Task 10.2 Select Subcontractor (Optional) Task 10.3 Upgrade Data Interface Task 10.4 Upgrade User Interface Task 10.5 Develop Analysis Tools Task 10.6 Integrate Task 10.7 Debug the Final System
5. Develop Initial System
   1. Task 5 is composed of numerous sub-tasks that lead to the initial system. At the end of Task 5 the initial system will be ready for installation. Task 5 will be done in-house by WTI. Task 5.1 Acquire Software. Task 5.2 Develop Data Integration System Task 5.3 Develop User Interface Task 5.4 Link Data to User Interface Task 5.5 Testing Task 5.6 Prepare the Initial System for Installation
6. Initial Implementation
   1. Implementation of the initial system will include installation for Caltrans, acceptance of the system by Caltrans, and training of end users on how to use the initial system. Task 6.1 Develop Training Material Task 6.2 Installation Task 6.3 System Acceptance Task 6.4 Training
7. Weather Data Inputs and Related Issues
   1. n the initial phase, a key task will be to collect different sources of data and convert them into a format that can be displayed in a single system. Task 4.1 Identify Available Weather Data Sources Task 4.2 Develop Agreements and Data Formats
8. Software Configuration Management
   1. Software configuration management is an ongoing task that involves maintaining records during system development indicating which software features are currently operational and detailing the history of software changes. Task 7.1 Develop Configuration Management PlanTask 7.2 Monitor and Manage Software
9. Phase 1: Rapid Deployment
10. Project Management
    1. This task will provide oversight of the project throughout the project duration. Task 1.1 Quarterly Progress Reports Task 1.2 Project Meetings Task 1.3 Risk Management
11. Phase 2: Full System
12. Project Plan
    1. The second task will develop a working plan for carrying out this project. It includes more detail than what is in the original scope of work. Task 2.1 Draft Project Plan Report Task 2.2 Identify Basic Requirements Task 2.3 Facilities Study Task 2.4 Plan Review Task 2.5 Baselined Project Plan Task 2.6 Update Project Plan as Needed
13. Implementation
    1. Implementation of the final system will include installation at the final host site, acceptance of the system by Caltrans, and training of end users on how to use the initial system. Task 11.1 Documentation and Training Materials Task 11.2 Installation Task 11.3 Training Task 11.4 System Operation Task 11.5 System Acceptance
14. Assess Available Applications
    1. This task will define and evaluate different types of “off-the-shelf” products available for collecting and displaying road and weather information. Both web based and desktop application will be researched for their usability in the Redding Incident Management Enhancement Program. Task 3.1 Identify Currently Available Applications Task 3.2 Evaluate Options with Stakeholders

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

True

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

False

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Assessment, Data, Evaluation

Partners

Caltrans