Sapporo (pop. 1.8 million) has developed as a city central to the politics, economy and culture of Hokkaido. However, its climate is severe. Although at a more southerly latitude than much of North America and Europe, the city is extremely snowy in winter. Annual mean snowfall is nearly 5 m, and the daytime winter temperature can drop below -10. Road traffic hindrance in winter has been and remains the most pressing issue for the citizens. For this reason, the introduction of urban cold region intelligent transportation systems (ITS) that mitigate the effects of snow, such as by ensuring smooth operation of urban infrastructure at times of frozen road surfaces or heavy snowfall, is a priority in various ITS projects under examination in Sapporo. The effective use of real-time images from closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras is considered particularly promising for winter road management of the future. This report outlines major systems that use CCTV cameras.
Abstract