Be prepared for extreme weather events
Accurate Weather Forecasts Require More Measurement Data
Sufficiently precise and short-term weather forecasts require a dense network of weather data. However, in large parts of Austria, the rugged terrain limits the number of measuring stations, and radar data is also insufficiently available in certain areas due to the topography. A research team consisting of the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG), Hutchison Drei Austria GmbH, and the Styrian Provincial Government, Department 14 – Water Management, Resources and Sustainability, Hydrography Unit, is therefore testing an alternative method for obtaining the necessary weather data.
Weather Forecasting with Mobile Network Data
Due to the continuous expansion of the mobile network, data on the physical properties of microwave links are largely available nationwide. Measurement data such as signal attenuation are routinely collected by network operators to ensure network quality. The research project “LINK – Analysis and Nowcasting of Extreme Events Using Microwave Radio Data” utilizes this data and investigates its potential for forecasting extreme weather events and calculating precipitation data. “This would be a tremendous advantage in the future, as it would allow for damage prevention, more efficient responses, and more effective planning,” says project manager Oliver Eigner from the Institute for IT Security Research at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences.
The Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism (BMLRT) is funding the project through the Austrian security research funding program KIRAS, administered by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).
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