In view of the centralisation of the entire Swiss Aviation Weather Services in Zurich, the existing paper visualisation method needed to be optimised. Previously, MeteoSwiss’s meteorological data was presented, evaluated and discussed using DIN-A1 paper format. By implementing a suitable visualisation solution designed for 24/7 operations, the tried-and-true but no longer up-to-date working processes could be optimised and to a great extent, 
phased-out. Another goal was to provide the multiplicity of information and data to all the employees and interest groups as needed and immediately per mouse click, in order to lay the basis for modern and dynamic work processes. Equally important was the time frame of the project, which had to be completed within only a few months, from the planning phase through to the implementation and training. 

The WEYTEC solution for MeteoSwiss consists of the digitalisation of the Meteo wall, which is now a generously sized video wall in a 5x2 format with ten 46” eyevis displays. The combination of extremely slim bezels 
between the units and the uniform, high-quality illumination and colouration results in a large scale, homogenous video wall with perfect image reproduction.

Additionally, a second and smaller so-called “Briefing Wall” was also installed, deploying 2x2 LCD screens. This is where pilots are briefed on weather conditions in preparation for their flights. 

Both video walls utilise a control technology developed by WEYTEC, making it possible to implement an efficient and secure system using a modest amount of hardware which nonetheless fully satisfies the specified requirements. The full range of content (e.g. basic MeteoSwiss content, content from desk1 and desk2 etc., or a videoconference) can be easily and quickly switched to the video wall. WEYTEC Multifunctional Keyboards are used to intuitively control all of the sources and operate the video wall itself, ensuring great flexibility when handling the media. For example, with a simple press of a button, operators can fine-tune the brightness of the video wall to adjust to changing light conditions in the room. 

Future Expansions

Future expansions which are already being considered include additional screens as well as the enlargement of the existing video wall. These steps are planned after a transitional phase during which the remaining paper visualisations will be eliminated. Furthermore, the remotisation of all the PCs and the graphic controller to a centralised system room would offer clear benefits for the climate in the Meteo office. Not only would heat and noise emissions in the workplace be significantly reduced, but operational and maintenance security would be optimised.

Why did MeteoSwiss decide to implement this project with WEY Technology? According to Dr. Hans Romang, Head of Forecasts and Aviation Weather Services for MeteoSwiss, WEYTEC’s products and problem-solving expertise best met the special needs of the Swiss weather service. MeteoSwiss and the meteorologists are now benefiting from a more comfortable, efficient and dynamic working environment. The weather service’s unique requirements for modern workflows have been optimally met with the WEYTEC Solution.

Important information can be processed in a timely manner. The easy and intuitive switching of individual monitors serves to present a clear overview of the data and enhanced security. The ability to reuse and inte­grate existing MeteoSwiss hardware into today’s solution was a further benefit of the new concept and another reason for choosing WEYTEC. 

Thanks to the modular structure of the WEYTEC solution, future extensions are always possible, making the solution sustainable and advantageous for the long-term. 

WEYTEC develops and manufactures products in Switzerland, offering complete turn-key solutions and many years of know-how in the control room and surveillance branches. This guarantees optimal customer services and long-term spare parts availability. 

Upgrading the meteorological centre was an ambitious project for MeteoSwiss because the work processes themselves were optimised following the digitalisation of the weather data. According to Dr. Romang, however, the decision makers were quickly convinced of the immediate and long-term benefits of working with 
WEYTEC.

WEYTEC’s know-how became evident starting in the planning phase, with the conceptualisation and clear formulation of the solution. Hans Romang: “With WEYTEC, we felt that our requirements were completely understood from the very beginning and that we were consistently given competent advice. Timelines for the project were precisely adhered to and scheduled deadlines were met without exception. WEYTEC also proved to be a competent partner throughout the implementation phase.”