Visibility sensor meteorology

Airport visibility sensors are specially designed to monitor and measure visibility in the airport environment. Visibility is a crucial parameter in airport operations, directly affecting flight take-off and landing, ground operations and flight safety. Airport visibility sensors provide accurate visibility data by using different technical means to monitor atmospheric particles, fog, smoke and other factors in real time.

Airport visibility sensors are typically placed at key locations such as runways, taxiways, aprons, etc. to ensure comprehensive monitoring of visibility conditions in all areas of the airport. These sensors can use a variety of technologies, including LIDAR, microwave radar, infrared sensors, etc., to measure parameters such as atmospheric particulate concentration, humidity, temperature, etc., and then calculate the actual visibility values.

Data from airport visibility sensors is critical to airport operations. Visibility data can help air traffic control, airlines and airport operators to make decisions, such as adjusting flight schedules, issuing warnings, implementing special procedures, etc., to ensure the safety and efficiency of flight operations. In addition, airport visibility sensors can be integrated with other equipment, such as automatic weather stations and radar systems, to provide comprehensive weather information to support airport operations and flight management.

Overall, airport visibility sensors play an important role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of airport operations, and are an indispensable part of airport meteorological monitoring systems.

Front View

The visibility instrument (visibility sensor) requires a DC12V power supply and a three-wire RS485 communication cable. The instrument sends the meteorological visibility values and status information to the host computer in the monitoring centre via a communication interface.

The visibility instrument provides several sets of built-in commands for configuring system parameters and controlling many functions of the system. During assembly and maintenance, a display terminal is required to check the system parameters and may be used to change the parameter values.

The Visibility meter is an instrument that measures the distance visible in the atmosphere. Its measurement method is mainly through the measurement of the atmospheric extinction coefficient, and then based on empirical formulas to derive the distance observed by the naked eye. The measurement results of the visibility meter can reflect the transparency of the atmosphere and air quality, which have important application values for environmental protection and traffic safety.

What is the measurement principle of visibility meter?

The measurement principle of visibility meter is mainly based on the scattering and absorption of light. In the atmosphere, light is scattered and absorbed by airborne particles (e.g. water droplets, dust, aerosols, etc.), which results in an attenuation of the light intensity, thus affecting the range of vision that we can observe.

Visibility meters can derive the extinction coefficient of the atmosphere by measuring the degree of scattering and absorption of light. The extinction coefficient is the degree to which light is attenuated by scattering and absorption as it passes through the atmosphere, and there is a relationship between its value and visibility. Therefore, by measuring the extinction coefficient and using empirical formulas, the visibility meter can calculate the visibility distance of the atmosphere, i.e. the visibility.

There are various methods of measurement for visibility meters, one of which is the forward scattering method. The forward scattering method refers to the principle of measuring the atmospheric extinction coefficient using the intensity of light scattered in a certain direction. The visibility meter fixes the light source and the detector at the same position. After the light source emits light, the detector at a certain distance detects the scattered light intensity. By measuring the scattered light intensity in different directions, the extinction coefficient of the atmosphere can be deduced.

Another common measurement method is the transmission method. The transmission method refers to the principle of deriving the extinction coefficient of the atmosphere by measuring the intensity of light transmitted through the atmosphere. The visibility meter is set up with an artificial light source, the transmitted light intensity of the light source is detected at a certain distance, and the atmospheric transmission coefficient is calculated to convert the visibility distance.

Specifically, the measurement principle of visibility meter is based on the principle of atmospheric scattering and absorption. When light passes through the atmosphere, it is scattered and absorbed by particles and gases in the air, resulting in a weakening of light intensity. By measuring the degree of attenuation of light intensity in different directions, the visibility meter can deduce the extinction coefficient of the atmosphere. Based on an empirical formula, the extinction coefficient is then converted into the naked eye observation distance, i.e. visibility. Its measurement results can help us understand the quality of the atmosphere and the environmental conditions, which has important application value for traffic safety and environmental protection.

Visibility sensors Technical Parameters

Rear view

Visibility sensor meteorology refers to the field of study that involves the measurement and prediction of visibility in the atmosphere, which is an important parameter in meteorology and atmospheric science. Visibility is affected by various factors, including weather conditions, air pollution, and the physical properties of the atmosphere.

A visibility sensor in meteorology is a device used to measure the distance at which an object or target can be clearly seen and identified. It provides information about the atmospheric conditions that affect visibility, such as fog, mist, haze, smoke, or precipitation.

There are various types of visibility sensors available, but one commonly used instrument is the transmissometer. Transmissometers operate by emitting a light beam and measuring the amount of light that reaches a receiver. By comparing the transmitted light with the received light, the sensor can determine the visibility.

Another type of visibility sensor is the forward scatter sensor, which measures the scattering of light due to suspended particles in the air. These sensors use a light source and a detector placed at a certain distance apart. The amount of scattered light reaching the detector is related to the visibility.

Visibility sensors are essential in meteorology, aviation, and transportation industries. They provide valuable information for weather forecasting, air quality monitoring, and ensuring safe operations in low visibility conditions.

Visibility sensors are used to measure the distance that can be seen in the atmosphere, typically expressed in meters or kilometers. These sensors can be found in weather stations, airports, and other locations where visibility is critical for safety and operations.

The measurement of visibility is important for several reasons:

1. It provides information about the atmospheric clarity, which can be affected by factors such as dust, smoke, fog, and other particulates.

2. It is crucial for aviation safety, as pilots need to be able to see the runway and other aircraft during takeoff, landing, and navigation.

3. It is important for transportation on roads and highways, as visibility can be affected by weather conditions and air pollution.

4. It can provide information about the presence of air pollution and the quality of the air, as high levels of particulate matter can reduce visibility.

5. It can be used to study and monitor weather phenomena such as fog, which can have a significant impact on visibility and transportation.

Visibility sensors work by emitting a beam of light and measuring the intensity of the light that is scattered or absorbed by particles in the atmosphere. The distance that the light can travel before it is significantly attenuated is used as an indicator of visibility.

In summary, visibility sensor meteorology is a field of study that focuses on the measurement and prediction of visibility in the atmosphere. Visibility sensors are used to provide important information about weather conditions, air quality, and transportation safety.

visibility sensors data sheet 

NBL-W-VS-Visibility-Sensor-Instruction-Manual.pdf