Vehicular Networking Road Weather Information System Tailored for Arctic Winter Conditions

Abstract

In order to conduct successful long-term service and system architecture development, permanent infrastructures and development environment are essential. For this purpose, FMI is operating a vehicle winter testing track with advanced communication capabilities within ITS-G5 and 5G test network, along with accurate road weather data and services supported by road weather stations, IoT road weather sensor network and on-board weather measurements. The track is in Sodankylä, Northern Finland, where the long arctic winter period of more than half year allows road weather services development in (and for) severe weather conditions. This environment provides appropriate conditions for the development of advanced ITS safety services equally for traditional, autonomous and alternate energy vehicles, tailored road weather services for each special use case and accurate estimation of performance. Not forgetting the energy efficiency of traffic and communication infrastructures themselves, which are critical elements in the development of the future ITS. This paper introduces the test track infrastructures, related research ambitions and future plans.