The ship visibility monitoring project is a successful example of the deep integration of IoT and big data technologies with traditional waterway traffic safety management. By deploying “sensory nerves” and building an “intelligent core,” the project has bridged the last mile of early warning information dissemination, effectively addressing the core challenge in waterway traffic safety—low visibility. It provides replicable and scalable advanced experience for traffic safety management in complex inland rivers and coastal waterways both in China and globally.

Hardware Components:

Main Sensor: A forward scatter visibility sensor is used. This device accurately calculates the Meteorological Optical Range (MOR) by measuring the intensity of light scattered by a certain volume of air between the transmitter and receiver. It features high accuracy, low energy consumption, and requires no long baseline, making it highly suitable for fixed-point installation.

Auxiliary Sensors: Include integrated wind speed & direction, temperature & humidity, and air pressure sensors, providing comprehensive meteorological data to support the analysis of fog causes and trends.

Data Collector: Responsible for the collection, processing, and temporary storage of data from all sensors.

Communication Unit: Utilizes 4G/5G wireless transmission as the primary method, with fiber optic network as backup, to encrypt and transmit data to the central platform.

Power Supply System: Mains electricity serves as the main power source, supplemented with solar panels and battery packs to ensure uninterrupted operation for at least 72 hours under extreme weather conditions.