1. So You Want To Buy A Decision Support System? An overview for maintenance managers wanting to invest in advanced road weather information systems (RWIS) Paul Pisano Federal Highway Administration

2. Decision Support Systems What is it? A Decision Support System represents the next generation of RWIS It fuses and filters information from various weather and transportation sources, and As output, recommends actions for managers. Why the overview? As consumers of today’s technologies, how well prepared are you to specify and buy advanced systems? You need to be aware of current and emerging technologies to better help you convey these needs to the private sector providers.

3. Today’s Weather Information Systems Include: Air Temperature Precipitation TypeProbability of Precipitation Dew Point Temperature Precipitation Rate Cloud Cover Relative Humidity Precipitation Amounts Weather Alert Categories Wind Direction/ Speed Precipitation Start/Stop Times Visibility Distance Do you know what you are getting? As an educated consumer, you should ask for the specific forecast elements that best fit your requirements. This includes data quality, accuracy, its update frequency, its delivery timeliness, and how well it’s packaged.

4. How does a DSS differ from RWIS? Pavement Chemical Concentration Forecasts – predicts amount of chemical dilution from traffic, melting, or precipitation Optimized Treatment Times - provides highest level of mobility with the fewest number of applications Treatment Strategies – recommends best treatment type (e.g., plow vs. chemical vs. abrasive) Roadway Snow Depth Forecasts – predicts snow depth on road surface Surface Frost Prediction – predicts frost on roads and bridges

5. How does a DSS differ from RWIS? Material Application Amounts – optimizes the amount of material to use – enough to maintain an acceptable level of service while minimizing environmental impacts Pavement Surface Temperature Forecasts – predicts pavement temperature Resource Scheduling (Crew Shifts) – recommends most efficient use of personnel Road Mobility Forecasts – predicts road level of service Snow Drift Prediction – predicts snow drifting on roads

6. Do you understand the difference between accurate and precise? Are the forecasts and deliverables being verified? Have you considered the delivery format (e.g. GIS)? Do you need to have a measure of forecast confidence? Have you considered sharing the research burden? What else should you consider when shopping for a DSS?