Synthesis: Update on the Status of AVL/GPS for Winter Operations

Background

The technology of AVL/GPS/Telematics has been very successful when it comes to tracking equipment, providing location, breadcrumbs, as well as information on excessive speed, harsh braking, erratic driving, and engine maintenance codes. There seems to be less success when it comes to information from the spreader controller on material usage. In some cases, it depends on the make, model, version, year of the controller for the systems to be able to track and report usage of the solid and liquid materials being dispensed. For agencies with a mix of controllers, finding a single AVL provider can be difficult.

Objectives

To survey and compile information on the various AVL systems including what data providers are able to produce and on which controllers. This should include what information is able to be tracked; application rates of various materials, both solids and liquids; what level of accuracy is the material usage; and depending in the calibration of the spreader, is the data accurate enough for inventory purposes.

Expected Results

A synthesis report that summarizes the data collection capabilities of vaious AVL providers as it pertains to the winter operations community.