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FUSEMET-APP - AApplication of Multi-Sensor Fusion for Automatic Observation of Aviation Meteorology

FUSEMET APP will focus on optimising present automated weather observation modules, developing new observation technologies, as well as their adaptation to ATM specifications and procedures. The automated aviation weather observation provides significant support to observers in challenging weather conditions and, furthermore, serves as an autonomous weather observation system for low air traffic during the 7x24 operation.

Short Description

Motivation

Sensor measurements, weather phenomena observations, cloud cover assessment, as well as the prognosis of relevant weather parameters' progress are currently assembled manually by a weather observer into a comprehensive report. These METAR or MET report messages form the basis for ensuing processes. 

Precursor projects have already tested basic measurement algorithms and fusion methods for automated weather observation. In FUSEMET-APP, these methods are further optimised, supplemented by other new technologies, and then applied to the ATM-specific rules and procedures. In addition to the actual fused report, plausibility considerations will be used to raise the observation confidence level.

Objectives

  • To develop a software system that ensures optimal fusion of all available measurements and data sources into a representative observation.
  • To generate continual aviation weather reports: METAR/MET report and SPECI/special report.
  • To provide maximum standardisation (software, interfaces, output) for targeted recycling.

Content

The aim of the project is to provide support to weather observers by integrating robust, automated measurements of weather-relevant aspects and subsequently generating messages for the ATM area. In automatic observation methods that are already in use, mainly point measurements of each individual weather parameter are made, and an overall "weather" system is subsequently composed.

Methodology

The DIBMETSAT, DIBMESTAT-3D and FUSEMET projects have already tested basic measurement algorithms and fusion methods for automated weather observation. The objective of this project is to further optimise these methods, supplement them by more new technologies, and then apply them to the ATM-specific rules and procedures. 

In addition to the fused report, plausibility considerations will be used to raise the observation confidence level. It is because of the insufficient development of fully automatic aviation weather observation that, in the case of capacity and/or safety relevant weather conditions, observations continue to be carried out by trained and certified weather observers.

Expected results

The basic problems of DIBMETSAT(-3D) and FUSEMET, reliable support of meteorologists by automated image-processing-based measuring systems, are essentially reflected in the currently presented project proposal. 

An automatic observation system must provide reliable results under all weather conditions, i.e. robust algorithms are essential. This robustness must therefore be further expanded or verified in FUSEMET-APP in order to guarantee the reliability of the intended automated application system (fully integrated in the operations of the project partners, ACV and MSV). The last step in this application chain is the correct coding of observations.

Outcome

Automation of camera-based visibility measurement (semi-operational operation at Austro Control), concrete realisation strategies with regard to international (Europe-wide) applicability.

Downloads

Endbericht FUSEMET-APP (pdf, 2.83 MB)

Project Partners

Funding program: TAKE OFF