Ground radar SOLIA

The SOLIA sensor is used to determine the state of the ground, show the occurrence of freezing precipitation, and measure the height of the snow layer. SOLIA sensor determines the state of theground, indicates the occurrence of freezingprecipitations and measures the height ofsnow. It can be used in synoptic (SYNOP) andaeronautical applications (automatic METAR)or road (alarms). SOLIA consists of a light source and tworeceivers installed at approximately at onemeter above the ground. The axis of thereceivers is located in the same vertical planand is cut in the center of the reference area(target) enlightened by the transmitter. One ofthe receivers is sensitive to the light returnedby spectacular reflection by the target; theother receives the diffused retro light. Themeasurement of two luminous flows allowsdiscriminating various surface qualities of thehorizontal black flagstone placed at theground. The temporal analysis of the signalsallows detecting precipitations. The accuratemeasurement of the temperature of the targetallows to distinguish certain states from solidwater which have the same optical signaturethan other states of liquid water. The modular concept (transmitting andreceiving heads separated, independentprotected box), the local user interface and theeasy to use and sure ergonomics of the IHMallow a fast installation and a simple use of theequipment. The self calibration (compensationof the ageing and moisture of the target) andthe monitoring of the operating conditions(status) allow to reduce the number ofintervention on the sensor, which does notrequire any special equipment for its fitting.