The Telecommunications, Navigation and Signal Processing (TNS) research group has achieved significant success in the commercialisation of the 2D video distrometer (2DVD). In the first quarter of 2025, the Chinese distribution partner BEIJING KEYTEC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD ordered twenty 2DVD sensor units, following the order and delivery of ten units in the previous year. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, India, has also placed the largest order to date from India, for nine 2DVD units.
The 2D Video Distrometer is a high-precision measuring instrument for real-time analysis of precipitation particles and provides essential data for remote sensing and telecommunications engineering. With the help of two high-speed line scan cameras, it records parameters such as the time of occurrence, size, shape and fall velocity of the particles. This enables detailed investigations of the fine structure of precipitation.
The precise measurement data of each individual particle is used, among other things, to calibrate weather radar systems, to improve modelling of rain, hail or snow events, and to analyse the effects of precipitation on satellite communication. Since the first prototype was developed in 1990, the 2DVD has been continuously adapted to the latest state of the art and the associated software has been further developed.
Since the first development of the 2DVD in the 1990s as part of an ESA study, JOANNEUM RESEARCH has continuously worked on the further development of the device. To date, more than 200 devices have been sold to renowned customers worldwide, which underlines the high relevance of research in this area and its practical significance for key technologies.
