Projects

Digital Imaging Systems

Development and support of digital camera systems
ARS performs continual development of its high resolution digital camera monitoring systems to improve reliability, especially in remote locations and in harsh conditions. Our compact camera control computer operates in a wide temperature range and runs a special embedded version of Windows XP. The camera control software allows for efficient power management and numerous user features. Communications options take advantage of technological advances in digital cellular networks, satellite links, and wireless Internet (WiFi). The optional camera pan/tilt system is flexible and operates with low power.

ARS also builds portable digital time-lapse camera systems for monitoring air quality events such as wildfires. These modular systems use low power cameras, are solar-powered, and are easily applied. High resolution and time-lapse systems usually include wireless cellular, WiFi, or satellite communications to provide images for air quality Web sites. We customize camera systems to meet client requirements and assist clients with siting and installation. After installation, we provide technical support to individual operators, as well as entire camera networks and associated Web sites.

Development and support of image and data Web sites
ARS develops and hosts or supports a variety of air quality Web servers and Web sites designed with public outreach and education as primary goals. We also assist clients in developing their own air quality Web sites by providing programming and technical support. Currently, we support over 65 rural and urban air quality camera systems on more than 5 Web sites. ARS recently enhanced the Northeast Camera Network (CAMNET) Web site to support dual cameras to provide a super wide-angle view of regional air quality -- visit it at http://www.hazecam.net. We also recently enhanced the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality image Web site to standardize the presentation of images, air quality, and meteorological data to coincide with increased energy development in the state -- visit it at http://www.WyVisNet.com.

Phoenix visibility Webcamera network
ARS developed a visibility network for the city of Phoenix, Arizona, to help state officials in establishing a standard index to track progress in improving visibility, and presenting this information to the public. The visibility index characterizes regional visibility conditions in the Phoenix metropolitan area and is calculated from measurements made by a transmissometer. In addition, five Webcameras help the public in understanding differing visibility levels. The current and recent visibility index values and high resolution digital images are posted on an ARS-hosted Web site at (http://www.phoenixvis.net).