The National Weather Service will study localized weather data collected by Harris Corporation's (NYSE:HRS) Helios digital platform in its National Mesonet Program, which leverages multiple observation networks located throughout the United States. Harris is providing the platform under a contract with Global Science and Technology, Inc.
Highlights:
- Provides meteorologists with access to nation-wide network of unique weather data
- Analytics enable real-time updates to visibility, rain and snow conditions to enhance weather predictions
- Study runs through September 2016
The Helios digital platform pulls data from a nationwide network of 30,000 integrated traffic cameras which use algorithms to detect surface wetness and ice, notifying users of changing road conditions. The solution is used by several commercial weather companies to enhance and validate short-term forecasting. It is part of Harris' broader portfolio of weather and environmental capabilities, which include weather and climate sensors and ground processing for space, air and ground sensors.
The study will allow the National Weather Service to use Helios to complement and enhance its forecasts, said Eric Webster, vice president and general manager, Harris Environmental Solutions. Having real-time, ground-level conditions pushed automatically to meteorologists would allow them to validate their forecasts and improve accuracy. Radar information does not provide actual conditions on the ground, so Helios can fill that critical gap.
About Harris Corporation
Harris Corporation is a leading technology innovator, solving our customers' toughest mission-critical challenges by providing solutions that connect, inform and protect. Harris supports customers in more than 125 countries, has approximately $8 billion in annual revenue and 22,000 employees worldwide. The company is organized into four business segments: Communication Systems, Space and Intelligence Systems, Electronic Systems, and Critical Networks. Learn more at harris.com.
