Virtually all mechanical and ultrasonic anemometers report apparent wind speed and direction. The Airmar WX Series is unique, because it calculates both theoretical and apparent wind speed and direction. These wind readings are the same if the unit is mounted in a fixed location. However, if the WX Series is mounted on a moving vehicle, the apparent wind is the wind you would feel on your hand if you held it out the window while going down the highway. Since the WX Series has a built in GPS and compass, it calculates the theoretical wind based upon the apparent wind, speed of the vehicle, and compass heading.
Theoretical wind information is significant for numerous applications on hazardous response vehicles. Theoretical wind speed and direction is also mission-critical. When enroute to an emergency situation, first responders can use the true wind readings to predict wind conditions at the disaster site before they even arrive, giving vital information for planning operations and staging apparatus.
True Wind: True wind is the same as above BUT relative to True (or Magnetic) North. In the case of a moving vehicle, True wind is not relevant because the vehicle will (almost) never be aligned to True (or Magnetic) North. In a mobile application True wind is a meaningless value.
