SNOWsat

SNOWsat is a professional slope and fleet management system with snow depth measurement, which is based on satellite-guided positioning.

Snow depth measurement
The current position of the snow groomer is continually plotted to an accuracy of a few centimeters. The value that results after deducting the vehicle height is then compared with the depth value of a digital terrain model (reference depth) stored in the system. The snow depth at the current vehicle position is the difference between these two heights.

Infrastructure
Precise positioning is essential for high-accuracy snow depth measurement. This requires correction signals, which eliminate system-related inaccuracies, increasing positioning accuracy still further. The SNOWsat base station calculates these figures using GPS, GLONASS and GALILEO satellite signals. The correction signals are sent to the snow groomers directly or with the help of repeaters. These may be required to guarantee optimum reception in ski resorts with complex topography.
In the snow groomer the GNSS receiver and the on-board computer continually calculate position, snow depth and other vehicle data, record it and present it on the touchscreen in the driver's cab. When the vehicle is within range of a SNOWsat WiFi access point the data is automatically transmitted to the SNOWsat server and stored there.

Slope and fleet management
The analysis software being used with SNOWsat enables the slope and fleet managers to access diverse information and perform additional analysis processes. This results in diverse effects: optimized workflows and vehicle routes, for example, increase efficiency and also reduce fuel consumption. Vehicle data and snow depths are displayed easily and clearly on a map of the ski resort.
The production of man-made snow is one of the biggest cost factors in a ski resort. SNOWsat delivers detailed information on which snow guns need to be activated and when. This enables the resort to optimize use of the snow groomers and produce snow only as needed. An enormous financial advantage, which covers the investment costs in a surprisingly short time.

Orientation and safety
SNOWsat also provides the driver with an overview of all important information. It actively supports orientation around the site - regardless of the weather or visibility conditions. In addition to displaying snow depths, slope edges, snowmaking facilities, roads and paths, the system also warns drivers of danger zones and alerts them to the presence of other snow groomers and their winch ropes, if these vehicles are equipped with SNOWsat systems.

Vehicle system
Your PistenBully or even a third-party vehicle are equipped with the chosen SNOWsat vehicle system. This can be done either ex works or locally in the ski resort. There are various systems to choose from, individually tailored for slope management and/or complete fleet management.

A system that continues to be refined: SNOWsat is once again entering the upcoming season with new features

We proudly present: SNOWsat 2018
Together with our customers, we have pushed the development of SNOWsat another step forward. The new features have been tested last winter and will be available beginning with the season 18/19.

SNOWsat Z as a webbrowser application
Slope managers and snow makers can now access snow depth data from anywhere - from the slope, the office or their living room. The snow depth view can now be displayed on all mobile end devices such as smartphone sand tablets and on all operating systems (Android and iOS).

SNOWsat "ToDo"
Tasks to be done that are spotted by the Ski Patrol or the slope manager at the ski resort during the day are immediately noted, scheduled and turned into an order for the appropriate driver and machine. These orders are automatically copied into the SNOWsat V2/V3 vehicle system the next time the PistenBully is started. This lets the driver complete the job promptly without making any special notes. All active, pending and completed orders can be viewed in the vehicle. Information is also webbrowser based in SNOWsat Fleet and viewable from anywhere. This makes communication easier and increases efficiency.

Visualization of the snowdepth at the blade
The driver can see the snow depth at three spots of the blade. This feature simplifies work, especially when building parks! The most important movements are displayed in the blade visualization and are supported by information about snow depth.

SNOWsat display
The new PistenBully 100 and 600 generation offers the ability to recognize details with greater ease on the new 10" monitor. Its new position no longer requires looking at the side, and work becomes more ergonomic.

Individual statistics
There are new statistical functions for snow and fleet management that can be selected individually. Including evaluation and export options.

Automatic Reports via E-Mail
Reports may now be sent automatically via email to selected recipients in the ski resort. Daily, weekly or monthly.

Even the best snow groomer needs enough snow to work with. Ski resorts invest a great deal in snowmaking technology and are always interested in finding the most efficient way to get the best value out of their snow. Intelligent control software allows them to make optimal use of ideal snow making conditions and allows them to react to modifications in the best way possible. ATASSplus from TechnoAlpin is one example of this kind of forwardlooking technology. SNOWsat provides the necessary snowdepth data for this through its standardized interface.

Snowmaking that conserves resources
ATASSplus collects the data from snowmakers and weather stations throughout the entire area. SNOWsat contributes information on current snow depths. This allows the user to make plans based on real snow depths instead of theoretically assumed amounts of snow. These real figures take into account melting, wind and natural snow deposits as well. Snowmaking then proceeds with excellent awareness of the prevailing conditions. Realtime statistics allow for continuous monitoring of water and energy consumption and prevent the available power consumption from being exceeded.

Everything under control
In addition, the slope manager and the snowmakers have the opportunity to analyze data and react to specific condition with very short notice. Thanks to the SNOWsatZ snow management module and the SnowManager fromATASSplus. The slope manager can define areas to be covered with snow and assign target snow volumes to each one individually for the beginning, middle and end of the season. SNOWsat Z lets the slope manager know whether the current snow level is too high, too low or exactly in the target range. This information lets the snowmaker assign target amounts for each snow machine in ATASSplus and define limits. Once the limit has been reached, the snow team is informed and snowmaking stops automatically. At the same time, the slope manager receives information via SNOWsat Web about snow depth trends over the last 10 days. All of this prevents excess snow production. Only the true required quantityis actually produced. SNOWsat performs outstandingly well when distributing snow, too, as the snow depth measuring feature helps the driver achieve an even covering of snow. Operating costs are optimized and the entire slope length is given an even coating of high-quality snow, saving resources and conserving the environment.

The TechnoAlpin software is continuously updated and optimized - just like that of SNOWsat.

"Snow depth measurement is not just a tool for snow groomer operators and slope managers. It is also a planning and decision-making tool for anyone in charge of snowmaking at a ski resort."
Oswald Böhm, SNOWsat