• Visibility

Visibility

Sensors for measuring visibility and present weather

Wide range of visibility sensors designed for monitoring on roads and in tunnels.

Models with a wide measuring range are available to detect fog and haze; models with both digital and analog outputs, as well as relays for activating external equipment to be integrated into intelligent transport systems and used to automatically switch warning signals in changing visibility conditions.

MW9000-26

Description

Sensors for measuring visibility and present weather

All models are also “Present weather” sensors, that is, they can measure the intensity of precipitation by providing the analysis of water particles: fog, rain, snow or mixed form.

Visibility

Highlights

  • Visibility and Present weather sensors (DPA305/311.1);
  • Only visibility sensor (DPA320);
  • Lens self-cleaning system by compressed air (DPA311.1);
 
  • Integrated relay output to activate alarms (DPA305);
  • Analogue output 4-20 mA (DPA305);
  • Model codes: DPA320, DPA305, DPA311.1.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a visibility sensor used for?

The sensor measures the distance at which an object can be recognised under the prevailing atmospheric conditions, expressing the result as visibility or Meteorological Optical Range (MOR). It is used to detect reduced visibility caused by fog, mist, and precipitation and can be integrated into meteorological, road, tunnel, airport, port, and railway monitoring systems.

Why is visibility monitoring important for roads?

On roads and motorways, fog, heavy rain, and snow can rapidly reduce the visible distance and make it more difficult to identify obstacles, vehicles, and road signs. Continuous monitoring makes it possible to detect these changes promptly and integrate visibility data into intelligent transport systems. LSI LASTEM sensors can provide digital and analogue outputs and, on some models, relays to automatically activate alarms, variable message signs, or other external equipment when preset thresholds are exceeded.

Why is visibility measurement important at airports?

At airports, visibility affects approach, landing, take-off, and ground movement operations, especially in the presence of fog, snow, or heavy precipitation. Visibility data support the assessment of local meteorological conditions and the management of operational procedures during periods of reduced visibility.

What is the difference between a visibility-only sensor and a visibility and present weather sensor?

A visibility-only sensor measures MOR using the optical light-scattering principle. Visibility and present weather models also analyse water particles in the air and can distinguish phenomena such as rain, snow, mixed rain and snow, drizzle, fog, and clear conditions. They can also measure precipitation intensity and accumulation. The range includes different measuring distances, up to 7.5 km for the visibility-only model and up to 75 km in selectable configurations for the more complete models. A compressed-air lens-cleaning system is also available for installations exposed to demanding environmental conditions.

Additional information

Applications

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Grandezze

Product DPA320-DPA305-DPA311.1 Categories , ,

Sensors for measuring visibility and present weather

All models are also “Present weather” sensors, that is, they can measure the intensity of precipitation by providing the analysis of water particles: fog, rain, snow or mixed form.

Visibility

Highlights

  • Visibility and Present weather sensors (DPA305/311.1);
  • Only visibility sensor (DPA320);
  • Lens self-cleaning system by compressed air (DPA311.1);
 
  • Integrated relay output to activate alarms (DPA305);
  • Analogue output 4-20 mA (DPA305);
  • Model codes: DPA320, DPA305, DPA311.1.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a visibility sensor used for?

The sensor measures the distance at which an object can be recognised under the prevailing atmospheric conditions, expressing the result as visibility or Meteorological Optical Range (MOR). It is used to detect reduced visibility caused by fog, mist, and precipitation and can be integrated into meteorological, road, tunnel, airport, port, and railway monitoring systems.

Why is visibility monitoring important for roads?

On roads and motorways, fog, heavy rain, and snow can rapidly reduce the visible distance and make it more difficult to identify obstacles, vehicles, and road signs. Continuous monitoring makes it possible to detect these changes promptly and integrate visibility data into intelligent transport systems. LSI LASTEM sensors can provide digital and analogue outputs and, on some models, relays to automatically activate alarms, variable message signs, or other external equipment when preset thresholds are exceeded.

Why is visibility measurement important at airports?

At airports, visibility affects approach, landing, take-off, and ground movement operations, especially in the presence of fog, snow, or heavy precipitation. Visibility data support the assessment of local meteorological conditions and the management of operational procedures during periods of reduced visibility.

What is the difference between a visibility-only sensor and a visibility and present weather sensor?

A visibility-only sensor measures MOR using the optical light-scattering principle. Visibility and present weather models also analyse water particles in the air and can distinguish phenomena such as rain, snow, mixed rain and snow, drizzle, fog, and clear conditions. They can also measure precipitation intensity and accumulation. The range includes different measuring distances, up to 7.5 km for the visibility-only model and up to 75 km in selectable configurations for the more complete models. A compressed-air lens-cleaning system is also available for installations exposed to demanding environmental conditions.

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