FAQs

The master plan is a simplified summary of snow depths in previously defined geographical areas (hydrant area and slope sections). The current snow situation in the entire ski area can be seen at a glance. The historical course of snow depth can also be displayed using a detailed analysis and compared with other seasons.

By defining target snow depths, a well-founded analysis of the actual snow requirements in the area is carried out. Clearly defining these values ​​and always having them in mind as a goal is the basis for effective and long-term resource savings. In addition, the master plan in the ARENA platform offers the possibility of analyzing all information sources at a glance at any time and making important snowmaking decisions based on facts. In addition, information on the expected amount of natural snow is available. Project managers have the opportunity to rely on support from the ARENA team at any time during the winter season. This provides optimal support for the challenging work during the snowmaking phases.

The master plan contains target snow depths (and target water volumes) for all hydrant areas in the area and thus offers the possibility of keeping an eye on the current state of the slopes during the current winter season and making well-founded decisions. Snow depths, terrain models, water-snow factors, meteorological data (SNOWPACK models from Geosphere Austria) and the experience of the project managers are integrated in the creation of the master plan.

No, snow depth measuring systems from other providers can also be integrated into the master plan.

The ARENA platform is a web-based application in which information from snow depth measurement, slope management and geo and infrastructure data are combined. In addition, the application offers extensive analysis functions and detailed reporting. Data from third-party systems can also be easily integrated and passed on to external systems (e.g. snow guidance systems).

The platform offers the operational team in the ski area optimal support in building slopes. This tool has now become an indispensable aid for our customers, especially at the busy beginning of the season. Thanks to the detailed visualization of snow depths, hot spots are identified in good time and can be addressed proactively. The master plan also offers an optimal assistant for planning and implementing the certification strategy. Through the automated exchange of measured and calculated data, these can be used by the snow guidance systems to specifically control snowmaking.

Integrations:

• Snow depth measurement: ARENA snow depth measurement, SnowSat, Leica
• Various geodata: lifts, slopes, snow points, snow parks, and much more
• Natural snow depths from GeoSphere Austria

Data provision:

• Snow guidance systems: Demaclenko, Technoalpin
• Snow depth measurement: SnowSat, Leica

A geographic information system is used to record, manage, analyze and present spatial data (spatial data). Spatial data that comes from a wide variety of sources can therefore be managed in a single system, meaning you can always see your measured data in a map display. Numerous analysis methods and the ability to present geodata to users in the form of printed or web maps offer a wide range of possible applications.

If all the necessary vehicle data is available (including CAN activation), we can start the project immediately. As a rule, the vehicle equipment is available after 2-4 weeks. After installation on site, we train all employees involved directly on the system. This means they are ready for use within a few weeks of ordering.

Photogrammetric methods can be used to capture high-precision geodata with an accuracy of a few centimeters from aerial images using drone flights. For example, digital terrain models, ortho mosaics or 3D models can be obtained using a drone. ARENA itself has a drone and offers aerial flights and data processing for surveying projects.

If all the necessary data is available (including emergency services and organizational data), we can start the project immediately. As a rule, the vehicle equipment is available after 2-3 weeks. The smartphones are delivered set up and the online portal is already set up at the same time. Optionally, we can train all employees involved on site and directly on the system. This means that the piste rescue team is ready for action within a few weeks of ordering.

The main component of the ARENA platform is a 3D map. On this, the snow depths are displayed in color as a grid. In addition, the geo and infrastructure data can be shown and hidden as additional levels. The application also has the functionality of the so-called master plan.

As a bronze partner, ARENA relies on the products of ESRI and therefore on the market leader in the field of geoinformation systems. The products of the ESRI platform offer numerous solutions for a wide range of requirements and questions. Through different license levels (Basic, Standard and Advanced) as well as various extensions, the appropriate range of functions can be determined for each customer.

ARENA fleet management offers maximum flexibility. The system can be installed in various configurations, including in snow groomers, ski doos, quads or cars.

The expected accuracy depends on the respective receiver and therefore the hardware. ARENA relies on the manufacturers Trimble, Handheld and Topcon. By integrating correction data services such as APOS from BEV or using your own base station, an accuracy in the range of a few centimeters can usually be achieved, depending on the hardware used. Correction data services can also be integrated into the ArcGIS Field Maps application.

Permanent satellite-based positioning increases the safety of emergency services. In an emergency situation, the location in the operations center can be easily viewed and further support can be requested. Digital operational documentation via GPS position, photos, videos and logs saves time and enables high data quality, all collected in one place. This leads to maximum legal certainty and efficiency. Map and log-based statistics enable further initiation of accident prevention measures.

ARENA piste rescue is available for Android smartphones. The smartphones supplied are specially qualified so that the recording of the GPS position and data transmission are as optimal as possible.

With a GIS Professional Basic license, in addition to numerous functions of the main program ArcGIS Pro, the browser-based solution ArcGIS Online is also available. This means that you have the ability to share your geospatial data on the web and create interactive web maps. You can edit and record your geodata in real time directly in the field using the ArcGIS Field Maps smartphone app. Other products such as Survey123 or ArcGIS Dashboards are also part of an ArcGIS Pro license, which can therefore be viewed as a complete solution in the area of ​​geodata management.

By default, the customer provides one SIM card per system. It is of course also possible to deliver the systems including SIM cards.

The app is opened and ready to use with one click. With two clicks a new insert is created and the recording is active. (Important: Movements are not recorded outside of an operation!) At the site of the operation, the exact position can be determined within a few seconds via GPS and an overview photo can be taken. Caring for the injured person remains the top priority. All mission-related data can be documented with the app on site or after the mission has been completed. This can also be done via the online portal.

Mobile Internet is required to transfer data between smartphones and to our server. If the smartphone is traveling in an area without internet reception, the data is stored locally in the system until an internet connection is available again. All operational data will then be transferred later.

For the use of ARENA slope rescue, the master data of the emergency services, resources and operational organization are primarily required. We provide everything else in the online portal and on smartphones.

The workshop and fleet managers receive optimal support. To improve vehicle efficiency, a variety of signals are available for snow groomers via the CAN interface. Area performance, fuel consumption, speeds or oil temperatures can be analyzed and optimized, among other things. There are also many reports available for specific evaluations. Whether for proof of a trip, mileage evaluations, operating time evaluations or geozone evaluations – our portal offers a large number of options for increasing the efficiency of the fleet and at the same time gaining legal certainty.

By default, the customer provides us with one SIM card per system. It is of course also possible to deliver the systems including SIM cards.

The system is activated as soon as you get into the vehicle. Registration using the I-Button or RFID chip is possible after a few seconds (there is also a configuration without driver registration). The trip recording then starts immediately.

Mobile internet is required for the transmission to our server. If the vehicle is traveling in an area without internet reception, the data is stored locally in the system until an internet connection is available again. All trip data will then be transferred.

Slope management projects are designed to last for several winter seasons, with the first immediate improvements becoming apparent from the first winter season. The basis is the analysis of the existing data series from snow depth measurements, snowmaking systems and meteorology. The strategy for the coming winter season is determined on the basis of the results. The newly acquired measurement data is continuously incorporated into the existing strategy. Experience has shown that piste management projects require a lot of communication in order to integrate the strategic approaches into the ski area's processes.

Due to the climate crisis and rising energy prices, ski resorts are facing major challenges. The innovative approaches of a piste management project enable ski resorts to deal with these challenges strategically based on data analysis.

By analyzing the data sources mentioned above, ski resorts gain an analytical insight into previous winter seasons. Based on this knowledge, the updated strategy enables more precise use of resources on the snow generators. This means that more slope area can be managed while using the same amount of water. Our previous projects have shown that resource use across the entire slope area can be reduced by up to 20%, and on individual sections of the slope the possible reduction is significantly higher.

To use ARENA fleet management, the master data of the vehicles used is primarily required. In addition, infrastructure data from, among other things, slopes or lifts can be made available for display in the online portal. For optimal evaluation, geozones can be provided so that the evaluations can be carried out directly for particularly important areas.