Simulation of Ground Visibility Based on Atmospheric Boundary Layer Data Using K-Nearest Neighbors and Ensemble Model Algorithms

Abstract Low visibility will seriously affect traffic safety, and accurate prediction of low visibility can effectively reduce safety risks. This study introduces a machine learning approach for simulating visibility, utilizing the K-Nearest Neighbors algorithm and an ensemble model, which incorpora...

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Main Authors: Ruolan Liu, Shujie Yuan, Duanyang Liu, Lin Han, Fan Zu, Hong Wu, Hongbin Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2024-11-01
Series:Aerosol and Air Quality Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.240145
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author Ruolan Liu
Shujie Yuan
Duanyang Liu
Lin Han
Fan Zu
Hong Wu
Hongbin Wang
author_facet Ruolan Liu
Shujie Yuan
Duanyang Liu
Lin Han
Fan Zu
Hong Wu
Hongbin Wang
author_sort Ruolan Liu
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Low visibility will seriously affect traffic safety, and accurate prediction of low visibility can effectively reduce safety risks. This study introduces a machine learning approach for simulating visibility, utilizing the K-Nearest Neighbors algorithm and an ensemble model, which incorporate data from atmospheric boundary layer detection and conventional ground meteorological observations as simulation inputs. We developed three distinct visibility simulation schemes to identify the most effective algorithm and to assess the influence of the atmospheric boundary layer on the simulation outcomes. Our results revealed that during two separate fog events, the ensemble model consistently outperformed the KNN algorithm. In the first fog event, the ensemble model achieved a more significant reduction in RMSE compared to the MAE within the same range of visibility (for VIS < 200 m, Scheme 2 reduced MAE by 33% and RMSE by 24%). Moreover, the integration of atmospheric boundary layer data notably enhanced model accuracy in both fog events, with the enhancement being particularly marked in the first event (ensemble model: for VIS < 200 m, Schemes 2 and 3 had MAEs of 20.5 m, corresponding to a relative error of less than 10.3%, and 22.9 m, corresponding to a relative error of less than 11.5%, respectively). In the second fog event, the addition of atmospheric pollutant concentration data from the boundary layer further improved results (ensemble model: for VIS < 200 m, Schemes 2 and 3 had MAEs of 20.1 m, corresponding to a relative error of less than 10.1%, and 11.4 m, corresponding to a relative error of less than 5.7%, respectively). These findings underscore the importance of incorporating atmospheric boundary layer observations in enhancing the fidelity of visibility simulations based on KNN and ensemble model algorithms and their potential to significantly improve transportation safety and reduce economic losses.
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spelling doaj-art-1cc9d026201f41a3a89c5fe37dc4adf32025-08-20T01:52:25ZengSpringerAerosol and Air Quality Research1680-85842071-14092024-11-01241211910.4209/aaqr.240145Simulation of Ground Visibility Based on Atmospheric Boundary Layer Data Using K-Nearest Neighbors and Ensemble Model AlgorithmsRuolan Liu0Shujie Yuan1Duanyang Liu2Lin Han3Fan Zu4Hong Wu5Hongbin Wang6Pengzhou Meteorological Administration, Chengdu Meteorological OfficeSchool of Atmospheric Sciences, Chengdu University of Information TechnologyKey Laboratory of Transportation Meteorology of China Meteorological Administration, Nanjing Joint Institute for Atmospheric SciencesSchool of Atmospheric Sciences, Chengdu University of Information TechnologyKey Laboratory of Transportation Meteorology of China Meteorological Administration, Nanjing Joint Institute for Atmospheric SciencesKey Laboratory of Transportation Meteorology of China Meteorological Administration, Nanjing Joint Institute for Atmospheric SciencesKey Laboratory of Transportation Meteorology of China Meteorological Administration, Nanjing Joint Institute for Atmospheric SciencesAbstract Low visibility will seriously affect traffic safety, and accurate prediction of low visibility can effectively reduce safety risks. This study introduces a machine learning approach for simulating visibility, utilizing the K-Nearest Neighbors algorithm and an ensemble model, which incorporate data from atmospheric boundary layer detection and conventional ground meteorological observations as simulation inputs. We developed three distinct visibility simulation schemes to identify the most effective algorithm and to assess the influence of the atmospheric boundary layer on the simulation outcomes. Our results revealed that during two separate fog events, the ensemble model consistently outperformed the KNN algorithm. In the first fog event, the ensemble model achieved a more significant reduction in RMSE compared to the MAE within the same range of visibility (for VIS < 200 m, Scheme 2 reduced MAE by 33% and RMSE by 24%). Moreover, the integration of atmospheric boundary layer data notably enhanced model accuracy in both fog events, with the enhancement being particularly marked in the first event (ensemble model: for VIS < 200 m, Schemes 2 and 3 had MAEs of 20.5 m, corresponding to a relative error of less than 10.3%, and 22.9 m, corresponding to a relative error of less than 11.5%, respectively). In the second fog event, the addition of atmospheric pollutant concentration data from the boundary layer further improved results (ensemble model: for VIS < 200 m, Schemes 2 and 3 had MAEs of 20.1 m, corresponding to a relative error of less than 10.1%, and 11.4 m, corresponding to a relative error of less than 5.7%, respectively). These findings underscore the importance of incorporating atmospheric boundary layer observations in enhancing the fidelity of visibility simulations based on KNN and ensemble model algorithms and their potential to significantly improve transportation safety and reduce economic losses.https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.240145KNN algorithmEnsemble model algorithmVisibility simulationFog-HazeMachine learning
spellingShingle Ruolan Liu
Shujie Yuan
Duanyang Liu
Lin Han
Fan Zu
Hong Wu
Hongbin Wang
Simulation of Ground Visibility Based on Atmospheric Boundary Layer Data Using K-Nearest Neighbors and Ensemble Model Algorithms
Aerosol and Air Quality Research
KNN algorithm
Ensemble model algorithm
Visibility simulation
Fog-Haze
Machine learning
title Simulation of Ground Visibility Based on Atmospheric Boundary Layer Data Using K-Nearest Neighbors and Ensemble Model Algorithms
title_full Simulation of Ground Visibility Based on Atmospheric Boundary Layer Data Using K-Nearest Neighbors and Ensemble Model Algorithms
title_fullStr Simulation of Ground Visibility Based on Atmospheric Boundary Layer Data Using K-Nearest Neighbors and Ensemble Model Algorithms
title_full_unstemmed Simulation of Ground Visibility Based on Atmospheric Boundary Layer Data Using K-Nearest Neighbors and Ensemble Model Algorithms
title_short Simulation of Ground Visibility Based on Atmospheric Boundary Layer Data Using K-Nearest Neighbors and Ensemble Model Algorithms
title_sort simulation of ground visibility based on atmospheric boundary layer data using k nearest neighbors and ensemble model algorithms
topic KNN algorithm
Ensemble model algorithm
Visibility simulation
Fog-Haze
Machine learning
url https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.240145
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