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Animal Detection System Project - UTC

Started: May, 2009 Ended: September, 2013 Project ID #4W2636 Status: Completed

Objective

The objective of this project is to investigate the reliability of a microwave radio signal break-the-beam animal detection system at the TRANSCEND facility in Lewistown, Montana.

Abstract

WTI is currently evaluating the reliability and effectiveness of a specific animal detection system for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The system is a third generation microwave radio signal break-the-beam system from ICx Radar Systems (formerly STS), which Caltrans plans to install near Ft. Jones, California. Through the original project (begun in 2005), WTI will be conducting field tests along a real roadside in northern California. This project will allow WTI to conduct additional reliability testing of the system at the testbed for animal detection systems at the TRANSCEND facility in Lewistown, Montana, which was not yet available when the Caltrans project was initiated. Reliability tests will be conducted during different seasons over the course of one year, to test for the impact of environmental factors. The tests will also use domesticated animals of various species in an enclosed pen, which will allow researchers to evaluate a large number of animal movements, and the impact of animals of different sizes.

Contacts

Sponsors & Partners

  • California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) Sponsor
  • Research and Innovation Technology Administration (RITA) Co-Sponsor

Part of: Road Ecology, UTC

Project Tagged In: Animal detection systems, Animal vehicle collisions, break the beam system

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