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used as a standard. Billboard-to-viewer distances are proposed to be as provided in table 2 above. Table 3 summarizes the recommended maximum billboard luminance values based on tables 1 j^r»d , Thftsft r.an be adopted directly into an ordinance or set of guidelines. The limitations of TM-11-00 were established through research conducted by Lighting Sciences Inc. under a contract from the Lighting Research Office of EPRI (Electrical Producers' Research Institute). The basis of TM-11-00 was subsequently provided to lESNA to form the publication. Field use of the values for various forms of outdoor fighting confirm that the values are realistic and prevent undue annoyance to a majority of viewers, and thus appear to have formed a satisfactory basis for specifying such fighting limits. The procedures outlined in this section of this report, method 2, specifications based on light trespass, are recommended by Lighting Sciences Inc. for evaluation and possible subsequent adoption by OAAA. A3.7 Enforcement After a billboard is installed, there wiU be cases where it is desired to evaluate the billboard luminance to ensure that it does not exceed the specified value. This procedure is extremely simple and requires only a footcandle meter. Tliehillboard-luminance specification is based on ensuring-that a-eertain footcandle level— - created by the billboard is not exceeded at a chosen distance. Thus all that is needed to check compliance is the measurement of the footcandles level at that distance with the billboard on and off. The footcandle meter would be held at a height of 5 ft. (which is approximately eye height) and aimed towards the billboard, from a distance as selected from table 2. If the difference in illuminance between the billboard-on and billboard-off conditions is 0.3 fc, then the billboard luminance is in compliance. When conducting this check, the meter should be at a location perpendicular to the billboard center (as seen in plan view) as this angle has the highest lumioance. This check should include the measurement of an aU white image displayed by the billboard to evaluate the worst case condition. A4. Summary of Proposed Method Specification based on the fight trespass limits adopted by lESNA in publication TM-11-00 appears to provide a manageable and technically viable technique. 13 It is proposed to use the lESNA recommended limits for environmental lighting zone E2, low level electric lighting, as a standard. This limits the maximum illuminance produced by the billboard and measured at tlie eye of a viewer to 0.3 footcandles over ambient. It is further proposed that the viewer be positioned from the billboard at ground level and facing in a Himctinn peipendicnlarto the billboard. The distance will be dependent upon the billboard size. Under these conditions, to meet the 0.3 fc limitations, the maximum allowable billboard average luminance will be as given in table 3 for various standard billboard sizes. The percentage dimmer setting, expressed as a percentage of the billboard maximum luminance, can be calculated from the table 3 luminance value, based on the maximum luminance of a billboard being 7000 cd/sq.m. or some other known value. Because these values have been derived from lESNA publication TM-11-00, which in turn is based on an extensive human factors research project, adoption of such values should satisfy the requirement that most persons will not find these billboard luminances to be objectionable. SECTION B - BILLBOARD LUMINANCE : DIGITAL VERSUS CONVENTIONAL The foregoing has provided recommendations for the average luminance limits for digital billboards. It is of interest to compare these to frie luminance levels found with conventional billboards. Such billboards are most commonly lighted using liiminaires designed for this specific purpose, manufactured by the Holophane Company. Most installations consist of a series of fixtures that use 400 watt Metal-Halide lampSi- Typically a I4 x 48 large billboard-is lighted by four such fixtures moimted along the bottom edge of the billboard. Some billboards, employ a lighting system using only three bottom moimted luminaires. Other designs may use top mounted lighting in various configurations. An optical refractor or lens is used on each luminaire to direct light onto the billboard, which increases the billboard luminance. The luminance of conventional billboards has been addressed in a study by the Lighting Research Center of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute that was sponsored by frie New York State Department of Transportation. A technical memorandum has been developed titled "Evaluation ofBillboard Luminances" dated March 31, 2008. This memorandum states the following: "... it is probably reasonable to expect that the luminance of a conventional billboard would not be likely to exceed about 280 cd/sq.nu during the nighttime (assuming typical lighting practice as represented by the lESNA and industry recommendations, and by the lighting systems used on the billboards that were measured in the field)..." The report indicates that the value of 280 cd/sq.m. (nits) is consistent with clean billboard lighting systems using new lamps. This is also the condition used for testing the digital billboard at Lighting Sciences' laboratories as referenced above. TT It is thus anticipated that digital billboards operated in accordance with the recommendations developed above, (300 to 342 nits, depending on size), will be brighter, but only slightly brighter, than the maximum luminance of conventional billboards. SECTION C ~ SKY GLOW C1 Introduction A hirther factor, "sky glow," has been addressed in relation to both conventional and digital billboards. Sky glow is caused by light at night entering the atmosphere and being scattered by airborne particulates. Sky glow may result from the use of lighting fixtures that emit light above a horizontal plane so that it enters the atmosphere directly. The effect also is caused by light reflecting from lighted objects, such as a road surface, a building or a billboard. It is highly desirable to reduce sky glow in order to preserve dark skies. This is an environmental concern, as well as a significant factor influencing the ability of astronomers to study the night sky. The amount of light entering the atmosphere from a variety of lighting installations has been evaluated.- -Measured in "sky lumenSj" the results allow a-comparison to be made-of different — lighting systems relative to sky glow. Specifically calculations have been made to compare the sky lumens produced by a typical billboard lighting system to the sky lumens caused by roadway and parking lot lighting. Extensive work was conducted for conventional billboards, then later work compared newer digital billboards to the conventional billboards. Various scenarios were used for the roadway lighting, combining residential and major highway lighting in a typical neighborhood. Areas were considered that consist only of roadway lighting, as well as areas that contain both roadway and parking lot lighting. C2.1 Conventional Billboards A 14 X 48 ft. billboard was evaluated using both three and four bottom mounted Holophane "Panel Yue" fixtures. Each was equipped with a 400 watt metal halide lamp rated at 40,000 lumens. Photometric test data were obtained from the manufacturer and computerized calculations were performed. 15 All calculations were based on a 0.70 Light Loss Factor, or Maintenance Factor, to account for the reduction of light output as the lamp ages and as the fixture collects dirt. For both the three and four fixture lighting systems, the following quantities were calculated: Total uplight lumens emitted by the group of fixtures Total lumens intercepted by the billboai'd Total lumens intercepted by the billboard underboard Total lumens emitted upwards by fixture that do not strike the billboard or underboard. (Direct sky lumens) Total lumens reflected upwards by the billboard Total lumens reflected upwards by the underboard Total lumens reflected upwards. (Indirect sky lumens) The manufacturer's data were used directly; no additional shielding was assumed for the lighting fixtures. Results obtained for the three and four fixture systems in terms of total sky lumens are as follows: 3 fixture system: 23,415 1ms 4 fixture system: 31,535 1ms These values-will be affected by the reflectance of-the-billboard face material, which is dependent on the lightness/darkness of the material. An average value of 25% was used, derived from laboratory measurements of sample billboard face materials. A reflectance value of 2.5% was used for the underboard. No account is taken in these calculations of the angular direction of the uplight lumens as they enter the atmosphere, which is likely to have some influence on the degree of sky glow that is produced. C2.2 Roadway Lighting For this study, billboard lighting was compared to roadway lighting. "While it is recognized that there axe many sources of nighttime light other than roadway lighting, this form of lighting usually constitutes a major source of uplight lumens. LSI has produced roadway lighting designs for three different roadway types and has computed resultant uplight lumens, as follows: 16 Local roadway. Illuminating Engineering Society of Nortli America (lESNA) specification is 0.7 footcandles average maintained lighting level, with a 6; 1 average to minimum uniformity, (i.e. The minimum footcandles at any point wiU not be less than one sixth of the average.) Collector roadway. lESNA specification is 0.9 fc maintained, 4:1 uniformity. Majorroadway. lESNA specification is 1.3 fc maintained, 3:1 uniformity. hi all three cases, "medium pedestrian conflict" per lESNA was assumed. A Light Loss Factor or Maintenance Factor of 0.70 was used, so as to be equivalent to the same factor used for the billboard calculations. For each roadway, lighting system design has been conduced using a flat glass "fiill cut off' fixture, and the older style "cobra-head semicutoff' fixture with glass bowl lens. The full cut off fixture allows no light to escape above the horizontal, while the semicutoff fixture emits a few percent of its total lumens above the horizontal. Most existing roadways, particularly where the lighting was installed 15 or more years ago, will use the glass bowl lens. Because of a desire to control sky glow, many agencies have now switched to full cut-off optics. In any urban area, both types of fixtures are likely to be present. By analyzing roadway lighting with each of these fixture types, a realistic range of possibilities is examined. For all designs, various pole heights were investigated. Each design was optimized to acquire the maYiirmm pole Spacing that can be used while meeting the lESNA lighting specifications. Thus the design procedures were similar to those used by typical roadway lighting designers. For each lighting system, the following were calculated, all on the basis of a single mile of roadway: Total lumens falling on the roadway Total lumens falling on the ground outside of the roadway Total lumens reflected upwards from tlie roadway Total Imnens reflected upwards from the ground outside the roadway Total lumens emitted upwards dii'ectly from the fixtures. (This quantity is zero for the cutoff fixture.) Typical known reflectance values were used for the road surface and areas outside the roadway. 17 Results of the computation, given in sky lumens per mile are as follows: Local roadway, tiill cutoff fixture: 25,837 sky lumens per mile Local roadway, semicutoff fixture: 38,079 sl<y lumens per mile ^Collectorj:oadway,,full.cutoffiixture: 4.7,652..sky lumens_pei:_mile Collector roadway, semicutoff fixlure: 64,071 sky lumens per mile Major roadway, M cutoff fixture: 153,355 sky lumens per mile Major roadway, semicutoff fixture: 259,910 sky lumens per mile C2.3 Comparison of Conventional Billboards and Roadway Lighting Based on the above values, the sky lumens produced by one billboard using a three fixture lighting system are approximately equal to the sky lumens produced by: 0.91 miles of local roadway with full cutoff fixtures or 0.49 miles of collector roadway with full cutoff fixtures or 0.15 miles of major roadway with full cutoff fixtures or 0.61 miles of local roadway with semicutoff fixtures or 0.37 miles of collector roadway with semicutoff fixtures, or 0.09 miles of major roadway with semicutoff fixtures The sky lumens produced by a four fixture billboard lighting system are roughly equal to the sky Imnens produced by: 1.22 miles of local roadway with fiill cutoff fixtures or 0.66 miles of collector roadway with full cutoff fixtures or 0.21 miles of major roadway with full cutoff fixtures or 0.83 miles of local roadway with semicutoff fixtures or 0.49 miles ofcoUector roadway with semicutoff fixtures, or 0.12 miles of major roadway with semicutoff fixtures As another way of comparing the data, the total roadway lighting per square mile of an urban area can be computed and compared to billboard lighting. An example city square mile has been checked (in Denver, CO). For a typical urban built-up area, the following roadway lengths were present in the selected 1 sq. mile: Total length of local roadways: 21 miles Total length of collector roadways: 1 mile Total length of major roadways: 1 mile 18 The total sky lumens assuming all roadways are lighted for this square mile have been calculated and are: For all roadways hghted by hill cutoff fixtures: 743,584 lumens For-alLroadways-lighted-by. semicutoff.fixtiires:.„l.,123,fi4D lumens If a single billboard is situated in this example square mile, the percentage of total sky lumens created by the billboard lighting is as follows: Billboard sky lumens as % of total, for 3 fixture system, when roadways are lighted with full cutoff fixtures: 3.1% Billboard sky lumens as % of total, for 4 fixture system, when roadways are lighted with full cutoff fixtures: 4.2% Billboard sky lumens as % of total, for 3 fixture system, when roadways are lighting with semicutoff fixtures: 2.1% Billboard sky lumens as % of total, for 4 fixture system, when roadways are fighting with semicutoff fixtures: 2.8% Other assumptions for the density of roadway fighting and number of billboards can be similarly determined. For example, if the roadway lighting is as above, but the density of billboards is halved, the percentage sky glow from the billboards with be halved. In certain urban areas, the roadway lighting usage may be greater than in the selected example area: There may be other-sources of sky glow such as-floodlighting for buildings and sports facilities. In such conditions, the percentage contribution of a given amount of billboard fighting to the overall sky glow wiU be reduced. In yet other areas, roadway lighting may be less than that illustrated above, and the proportion of sky glow produced by the billboard will be higher. Further efforts under an extended reseai'ch program could analyze large urban areas and survey fighting usage by types. C2.4 Parking and Roadway Lighting As another example scenario, calculations have been made for a 1 square mile area consisting of both roadway lifting and parking lot fighting. In this example, a parking lot size of one quarter mile square has been included. The total length of local roadways has been reduced to 16 miles. The parking lot is assumed to be lighted to an average level of 1.5 footcandles. Because tlie parkmg lot is lighted to a higher level tlian tlie roadway it replaces, and because a larger area is bemg lighting, the total sky lumens are increased versus the earlier example that assumes the presence of roadways only. 19 The modified values of total sky lumens are: For all roadways and parking ai'eas lighted by full cutoff fixtures: 836,687 lumens For all roadways and parking area lighted by semicutoff fixtures: 1,273,028 lumens If a single billboard situated in this example square mile, the percentage of total sky lumens created by the billboard lighting is as follows: Billboard sky lumens as % of total, for 3 fixture system, when roadways and parking areas are lighted with full cutoff fixtures: 2.8% Billboard sky lumens as % of total, for 4 fixture system, when roadways and parking areas are lighted with fiill cutoff fixtures: 3.8% Billboard sky lumens as % of total, for 3 fixture system, when roadways and parking areas are lighting with semicutoff fixtures: 1.8% Billboard sky lumens as % of total, for 4 fixture system, when roadways and parking areas are lighting with semicutoff fixtures: 2.5% It should be noted that in this analysis, all lumens reflected fi-om surfaces or emitted upwards directly from the fixtures are assumed to enter the sky. This is probably true for most billboard lighting systems. For roadway and parking lot lighting, however, reflected light may be blocked by objects such as buildings or trees. If this blockage is 50%, for example, the above percentage contribution of billboard lighting to sky lumens will be doubled. Nonetheless, even assuming a scenario where all roadway and parking lot lighting sources are fully-shielded fixtures, the sky glow caused by billboards is a small percentage of the overall sky-glow, under the conditions — evaluated. C3 Digital Billboards and Sky Glow The scenario to be evaluated for digital billboards in relation to sky lumens is completely different from conventional billboards: There is no reflecting billboard surface and no exterior luminaires, as the digital pixels themselves are the li^t sources. Some light from the pixels is emitted in directions below the horizontal where it provides the advertising message to viewers and some light is emitted above the horizontal where it enters the atmosphere (unless blocked by trees and structures). • The photometric test data for the digital billboard sample tested at Lighting Sciences' laboratories has been examined, and calculations have been performed to determine the sky lumens tliat will be generated for a typical 14 x 48 ft. digital billboard. It is significant to note that the digital billboard as tested is designed to direct the majority of its light below the horizontal, in tlie dfrection of the viewer location. This is achieved by the use of 20 horizonal louver blades that ai'e angled downwards and tliat ivn between adjacent rows of pixels. This is illustrated in figure 1; in this figure, the lengths of the arrows represent the actual intensities of the light rays in the various directions as documented in the laboratory photometric test report. For example, fight intensity emitted 20 degrees below the horizontal is more than dmiblft the intensity emitted 20 degrees above the horizontal. This has tlie obvious effect_pf reducing sky lumens versus that which would be produced if fight above and below the horizontal were equal. Elimination of bottom mounted exterior luminaires commonly used for conventional billboards play a very significant role in the reduction of sky glow. For the example scenario detailed earlier in this report, where a four luminaire bottom mounted system produces 31,535 sky lumens, roughly 90% of those lumens are emitted into the sky directly firom the fixtures. For the digital billboard calculations, it was assumed that no dimming of the fight output occurs due to age, as the computerized controls can be set to overcome any LED light output degradation with time. A Light Loss Factor of 0.90 was assumed to account for a possible 10% loss due to the accumulation of dust and dirt. For the conventional billboard discussed above, a 25% average reflectance was used in the given example. A similar "message" was assumed for the digital billboard calculations, i.e., a billboard luminance was assumed that would be created by an array of colors equivalent to that used for the conventional billboard analysis, rather than an all white display. It was further assumed that a 14 x 48 ft. bfilboard woifid be operated at 4.3% of full output at night, as recommended in table 4 above. For these-example conditions, the amount of fight directly- emitted into the atmosphere by the digital billboard is 2260 lumens. This compares to the value of 31,535 sky lumens for the example conventional billboard lighted by four bottom mounted luminaires, and is 8% of that amount. Digital billboards can be seen to offer a major opportunity to reduce sky glow if they are replacing conventional billboards that employ a bottom mounted lighting system. This is a result of the elimination of the external luminaires and the direct sky lumens they produce, ^d also because of the design of digital billboards whereby less light from the billboard face is directed upward versus downward. Ian Lewin Ph.D., FIES, L.C. October 1,2008 21 Effect of Horizontal Louver Blades Billboard Length of Arrows Represent Light Intensity Uplight is Partially Shielded Figure 1 22 Appendix A » Lighting Units and-Xerms Several terms are usefiil in describing the light characteristics of digital billboards. See figure Al. Billboard Luminance, L or Brightness (Candelas per sq. meter, or nits) Intensity, 1 or Candlepower (in Candelas) Billboard Area, S .. . .. Billboard produces Illuminance at viewer's eye (In Footcandles) Distance, D Figure A1 Candlepower. This is the intensity, I, of light produced by the billboard in a particular direction, and it is measured in "candelas." For example, a billboard of a certain size will emit a certain intensity of light in a du'ection perpendicular to its face. The intensities emitted in other directions will be less than that in the perpendicular dhection. If the billboard displays a white image, this intensity will be higlier tlian if tlie billboard face is any other color. Candlepower does not change significantly with distance, providing the atmosphere is clear; the intensity continues as the light rays move in a straight line until they sti-ike a surface. 23 Luminance, L, often called "brightness," relates to the overall appearance of the billboard. It is the caiidlepower emitted per unit area, and is expressed in units of "candelas per square meter," or cd/sq.m. Say a billboai-d tliat has an area of 2 square meters produces 400 candelas when viewed from a direction perpendicular to its face, then its luminance is 400/2, equal to 200 nH/sq.m. The term "nit" is also used. Such a billboards is said to have a brightness of 200 nits. The formula relating the billboard size, luminance (or brightness) and the candlepower it projects is; Candlepower (in candelas) = Luminance (in candelas/sq.m. or nits) x billboard area (in square meters) or I = L X S A1. (L is in nits, S is in sq.m.) Illuminance, E. This is a measure of the amount of light that is intercepted by an object that is illuminated by the billboard. Illuminance is measured in "footcandles," and is dependent on the distance fi"om the billboard, as weU as the candlepower the billboard produces. If a viewer is looking at the billboards, the illuminance at the viewer's eye, Ey, can be found using the "Inverse Square Law," which states ^ ^ Candlepower (in candelas) niummance (m footcandles)= 7——-— I I Distance (m feet) or E A2. The value of I from equation 1 can be substituted into equation 2 to give E A3. Equation 3 is very useful because it relates billboai'd size (S), billboard luminance (or brightness) (L), and gives the footcandles (Ey) that will be produced by tiie billboards at a distance, D feet. It can be rewritten: 24 A4. B-is^nnits^-Ev-isin-footcandlesr D is in feet, S is in sq. meters Otherwise, if the area of the billboard, S, is in square feet, the equation becomes 10.76 D' E,. L A = 5. L is in nits, Ey is in footcandles, D is in feet, S is in sq. feet The illuminance, E, can be measured easily with a relatively inexpensive footcandle meter at a measured distance D feet horn the billboard. Figure A2. The area of the billboard, S, presumably is known. Inserting these values of E, D and S into equation 5 allows the luminance, L in nits, to be calculated. Eye Footcandle Meter Figure A2. Measuring Illuminance (in Footcandles) at the Viewer's Eye Location Eye Location TI Nit Gun Figure A3. Measuring Billboard Luminance (in Nits) Using a Nit Gun Aimed at Billboard 25 L, the billboard luminance, can also be measured with a "nit gun", which is a luminance meter that can be pointed at the billboard. Figure A3. However such devices are more expensive and less readily available than a footcandle meter. Rftcausp. nf the simple relationship as given in equation A5. billboard luminance specifications can be written in terms of footcandle limitations at a certain distance. For compliance checking, if the footcandle value produced by the billboard and measured at a prescribed distance is at or below a specified level, then it will be known that the billboard luminance meets the desired limitation. 26 Appendix B Description of the Lighting Environmental Zone (from lESNA publication TM-11-00) El. Areas with intrinsically dark landscapes. Examples are national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, or residential areas where inhabitants have expressed a strong desire for shict limitation of light trespass. E2. Areas of low ambient brightness. These may be suburban and rural residential areas. Roadways may be lighted to typical residential standards. E3. Areas of medium ambient brightness. These will gener^ly be urban residential areas. Roadway lighting will normally be to traffic route standards. E4. Areas of high ambient brightness. Normally this category will include dense urban areas with mixed residential and commercial use with a high level of nighttime activity. Note: The above descriptions are being considered for revision by lESNA at the time of writing this report. The categories are not changed, but the descriptions are more extensive for clarity. 27 EXHIBITS [DIGITAL BILLBOARDS TODAY] [CHANGING THE DELIVERY OF INFORMATION] Billboards are the oldest mass medium. The first standardized posters appeared in the 19th century and, not surprisingly, the medium has adapted over time. What \A/as once a poster on the side of a building became a freestanding, purpose-built billboard. Hand painting on a sign became printed paper pasted on the board. Paper and paste is giving way to computer-generated images on plastic substrates. Today, the next generation of billboards is digital. These dynamic tools for advertisers and communities represent a small fraction of the total number of billboards in the United States. There are an estimated 400,000 billboards faces in the United States; about 5,200 of those are digital, or one percent. Yet the communities which have digital billboards have come to rely on them. as varied as the places they serve. As with any new technology, there are questions about how best to incorporate digital billboards Into the existing body of regulations and aesthetic fabric of an area. The following pages give a broad overview of how communities have answered those questions and why virtually every state and hundreds of municipalities welcome digital billboards. [REGULATORY FRAMEWORK] Ail billboards are heavily regulated. The federal government, state government, and counties, cities, and towns regulate outdoor advertising. To keep pace with technology, the federal government has said roadside billboards (off- premise signs) could use "changeable-message" technologies as long as these signs don't scroll or flash. The uses for this exciting technology are as varied as the places they serve. Small business owners turn to them as an affordable way to reach a large number of customers with a dynamic message. Public safety organizations rely on them to help bring fugitives to justice and provide emergency information. The news media use them to give up to the minute news and information to an increasingly mobile audience. The uses for this excifng technology are DUNKIH DONIIT9 On September 25, 2007, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a guidance memo to states: "Proposed laws, regulations, and procedures that would allow permitting CEVMS (changeable electronic variable message signs, the official name for digital billboards) subject to acceptable criteria ... do not violate a prohibition against 'intermittent' or 'flashing' or 'moving' lights as those terms are used in the various FSAs (federal-state agreements) that have been entered into during the 1960s and 1970s." The 2007 memo gave states the green light to approve digital billboards, as long as there were appropriate regulatory controls in place. The memo went on to list suggested areas of control, including lighting, display time, and transition time (the amount of time it takes for one message to change to another message). Industry practices conform to federal guidance. FHWA recommends an eight second display time, a oaaa suggestion mirrored by industry standards. Federal guidelines say digital billboards should "adjust brightness in response to changes in surrounding light levels so that the signs are not unreasonably bright." Digital billboards are equipped with sensors to make sure the billboards are only as bright as necessary to be legible. Messages change instantaneously, avoiding transition effects. States and localities have added regulations for the size and spacing of digital billboards. The OAAA Code of Industry Principles includes clauses against animation and excessive lighting. [TRAFFIC SAFETY] Industry practices conform to federal guidance. Safety can be among the most contentious questions raised about digital billboards. The debate is puzzling, however, as research on modern digital billboards has found them to be "safety neutral" and unrelated to traffic accidents. Specifically, studies Foundation for Outdoor Advertising Research and Education (FOARE) have considered digital billboards and driver distraction from two different angles. issioned by the i HUTCHINSONSEPTIOjIB billboards and other objects in their field of vision. The study found the typical glance toward a digital billboard was less than one second. This finding is important, because a separate study released in 2006 by VTTI for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified a two second threshold for increased risk due to distraction: "Glances totaling more than two seconds for any purpose increase near-crash/crash risk by at least two times that of normal, baseline driving." The typical glance toward a digital billboard is well under the threshold. "I ... have no Indication that digital billboards pose any safety threat to the traveling public. With the number of digital signs that are currently in E! Paso, both of the busi ness and billboard type, and the long time In which they have been present In our city, any safety Issues surely would have surfaced by now. Those In El Paso who claim there are safety problems with the digital billboards are ignoring the evidence." —Richard Wiles, El Paso County (TX) Sheriff, in a letter to the El Paso City Council One study was performed by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), an academic traffic safety research institute used by government agencies and the private sector. Researchers analyzed the eye glances of drivers along with driving factors such as lane changes and speed. Randomly selected people drove a specially equipped car which monitored when their eyes moved toward Accident records indicate digital billboards are not a traffic safety risk. Multiple comprehensive studies have been performed by Tantala Associates, a consulting engineering firm based in Philadelphia, which has performed analytical research for various levels of government. Since 2007, researchers have examined years of accident data for highways and local streets in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) OH, Rochester, MN, Albuquerque, NM, Reading, PA, and Richmond, VA. Each study reached the same conclusion: there is no correlation between digital billboards and traffic accidents. oaaa LAKERS CELTICS These analyses looked at various view zones, or distances, from the digital billboards and other factors such as deer hits and weather conditions (known as "bias factors"). The studies accounted for differences between younger and older drivers and driving during the day and at night. No matter how the accident data were analyzed, the conclusion was the same: digital billboards are safe. Several states have also performed their own studies related to digital billboards, looking at accident data near digital billboards. Transportation officials in South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia reported digital billboards have not caused traffic safety problems. Local officials have also reviewed accident records. Furthermore, the US Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) research has concluded that drivers are "generally more likely to gaze at CEVMs than at standard billboards." But, the average glance durations were well within the safe limit of two seconds already defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In short, the researchers said, "the results did not provide evidence indicating that CEVMs, as deployed and tested in the two selected cities, were associated with unacceptably long glances away from the road", adding that "the demands of the driving task tend to affect the driver's self-regulation of gaze behavior." [PUBLICOPIIMION] In 2008 and 2009, Arbitron sought to answer a relatively simple question: what does the public think about digital billboards? Arbitron researchers found people are aware of and positively Inclined toward this new technology. The Arbitron studies focused on two metro areas (Cleveland, OH, and Los Angeles, CA), where digital billboards operate. Through telephone surveys, researchers found "the vast majority of commuters (more than four out of five) feel digital billboards provide an important community service." More than seven out often people said digital billboards help the community with emergency information, and the majority said they were attractive. Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman described digital billboards as modern and tech- sawy. Among younger demographics, digital billboards are even more popular. The Arbitron studies found high percentages of those 18-34 consider digital billboards attractive, while a majority agreed digital billboards help the community by providing emergency information. More than three quarters of 18-34 year olds said digital billboards are a "cool way to advertise." [PUBLIC SERVICE] Among the most important users of digital billboards are law enforcement agencies. The FBI, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the US Marshals Service, and county and city sheriff and police departments use digital billboards to help keep their communities safe. "Digital billboards are right in line with the whole cityscape. They communicate that we are a city that embraces technology. We actually have some of the newest state-of-the-art, cutting edge advertising," - Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman Because digital billboards can be updated remotely and instantaneously, they are ideal for quickly oaaa Bank Robbef Bandit OCQ pushing emergency information to the public. In 2008, NCMEC (which operates the national AMBER Alert system) signed an agreement with the outdoor advertising industry to display AMBER Alerts on digital billboards. Since then, hundreds of abducted children were displayed on digital billboards within minutes of the Alerts being issued. Almost all of those children were quickly reunited with their families. The FBI uses digital billboards to track down wanted fugitives and crack difficult cases. In August, 2010, agents activated digital billboards nationwide to identify and arrest a suspected serial bank robber who was wanted in a dozen states. Agents had been investigating the case for almost two years, yet it took just nine days to identify and arrest the bank robber after his image was displayed on digital billboards. The FBI credits digital billboards with generating the tip leading to the man's arrest. Typically, law enforcement agencies are given access to digital billboards for free. AMBER Alerts preempt paying advertisers and the outdoor advertising industry maintains a sophisticated computer network to instantly notify operators in every state with digital billboards of every new Alert at no cost to the government. The FBI uses a similar system at no cost to taxpayers. To date, the FBI credits digital billboards with directly leading to more than 52 arrests. When local fugitives are added to that total, the number is even higher. Law enforcement officials agree digital billboards make communities safer. Law enforcement officials agree digital billboards make communities safer. "if we have a crack at over a quarter-million people seeing that photo every day, then we have a very good chance at catching the person we're after," -Special Agent Sean Quinn, FBI-Newark ihe Na6'<^'^S,0uiorHei^'s Xd'^^'yEihglnifuslry Key Points regarding the FHWA Research • The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) contracted the Science Applications International Corporation (SAiC) to study the effects of digital billboards on driver attention and distraction in 2007. • This study was aimed at determining if digital billboards posed an unsafe driver distraction and was based on how long drivers took their eyes off the road when in the presence of digital billboards. • FHWA emphasized that the study employed highly accurate state of the art research methodology and eye tracking equipment, which ensures a high level of confidence in the eventual findings. • The study was completed in early 2010, and a draft report was subjected to peer review in 2012. • On December 30, 2013, FHWA released its final report The FHWA conducted its research on digital billboards based on an eye-glance analysis in two test markets: Reading, PA, and Richmond, VA. In both cities, digital billboards were located on freeways and local arterials. Results from the FHWA study Indicate the following: 1. The presence of digital billboards does not appear to be related to a decrease in looking toward the road ahead, which is consistent with earlier industry sponsored field research studies fVTTh. 2. The longest fixation to a digital billboard was 1.34 seconds, and to a standard billboard it was 1.28 seconds, both of which are well below the accepted standard.^ 3. When comparing the'gaze at a CEVMS versus a standard billboard, the drivers In this studv were more likelv to gaze at CEVIVIS than at standard billboards. 4. The researchers were careful to note the FHWA studv adds to the knowledge base of digital billboard safety, but does not "present definitive answers" to the questions investigated. Bottom line: Digital billboard glances are well within federal safety standards concerning driver distraction. The full report is available on the FHWA website httD://www.fhwa.dot.gov/real estate/practitioners/oac/ THEiHILL DOT study finds digital billboards don't distract drivers fiK ta OriveitarenslAsnclMby esns'OssisngMtlOMf accoren^isaiiuOycGMucieflDyM Oepanwnl or Tran^ortyjon Ttiesiudy onct)a-asreiesMOt,;mfrayangrwa;MnHMrnoiifM) louwnalarTi«.-am no: anr mere :*eiy !o be Mracred try D«9o»ils mar> t;Kan*rr 1 According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), safety concerns arise when a driver's eyes are diverted from the roadway by glances that continue for more than 2.0 seconds. EXHIBIT 10 Recommended Brightness Levels for On-Premise Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) ... International Sign Association A Compilation Summary with Extracts from Industry Reports ® December 20 I O Table of Contents NTRODUCnON SUMMARY RECOMMENDED LANGUAGE SIX STEPS: EMC BR GHTNESS LEVELS International Sign Association ISA • International Sign Association • A Summary Report on EMC Brightness Levels Introduction Electronic Message Centers (EMC's) One of chc more interesting types of signage that is becoming increasingly popular is on-prcmlse electronic message centers, or EMO. You may have heard EMCs being referred to as changeable message displays or digital signs. EMCs are nar digital billboards, which advertise a good or service that is located away from where the sign is located. Rather, EMCs are digital signs that are located on thepremises of the business, and that advertise goods and services that are provided at the location. Digixal biUboardJoff-pmnise sign adrcrxising an auwmobik bitsiticxs away fiom where the sim is located Elecn-onic Message Cenur (EMQIon-premlsc sign adveysishigan automobile biuiaess shas is located at the pLue of business There is often confusion regarding on and off-premise digital signs. However, EMCs and digital billboards have very distinct capabilities and purposes, each targets a specific audience and each has traditionally been treated under separate legal and r^ulatory r^?mes. For the purposes of this publication, ive are focusing solely and exclusively on EMCs. EMO that are too bright can be offensive and ineffective. EMC brightness is an issue where sign users, the sign industry, and the planning community have a common goal: ensuring that EMCs are appropriately legible. We know the messages that these signs convey can be rendered unanracrive and perhaps even unreadable if they arc programmed too bright. That's why many sign companies recommend to their customers that in order for these signs to be most effective, their brightness be set at such a level to be visible, readable and conspicuous. ISA • International Sign Association » A Summary Report on EMC Brightness Levels In 2008, the Incemarional Sign Association (ISA) retained Dr. Ian Lewin ofLighting Sciences to help the industry develop scientilically-researchcd, undcmandable recommendations for EMC brightness. Dr. Lewin is a past chair of the Illuminating Engineering Society ofNorth America (lES), and is gready respected within the lighung field. His work for ISA was conducted with the input of experts within the sign industry. Dr. Lewins full report can be found at www.signs.org. As a resuh of this research, the recommended brightness level fr on premise EMCs is 0.3 foot candles above ambient light conditions when measured at an appropriate distance. This is a lighting level that works in theory and in practice. The research and the recommendarions contained in this report pertain only to EMO, not traditionally internally illuminated signs, such as these channel letter and neon signs below. EMC s use a different lighting technology than most of these types ofsigns, and as such die scientific approach differs. LmENS-NjHIHGS mattress You can rest assured that the information contained in this publication is relevant, appropriate and workable for determining EMC brightness levels. We have provided she short steps to help guide the process and recommended statutory language. Ifyou need further assistance, feel free to contaa ISA at (703) 836-4012 to answer any of your EMC brightness questions. EMCs and distal billboards have very distinct capabilities and purposes, each targets a specific audience and each has traditionally been treated under separate legal and regulatory re^mes. ISA • International Sign Association • A Summary Report on EMC Brightness Levels Summary ISA Electronic Message Display Brightness Recommendations This summary has been developed to assist stakeholders concerned with development of brightness standards for large-format, electronic displays used for on-premise sign applications. This summary comprises: 1) an overview of the importance ofemuring appropriate brightness, 2) technology utilized to ensure appropriate brightjiess, 3) recommended brightness standards, and 4) brightness measurement methodology. 1. Overview of the importance of ensuring appropriate brightness. Electronic dispiays that are too bright can be offensive and ineffective. There are significant advantages to ensuring than an electronic display is not overly bright. These advantages indude: » G)nscrvauon of energy » Increased life expectancy of the electronic display components » Building goodwill with the community y> Ensuring the legibility of the display It is in the best interest of all stakeholders to ensure diat electronic displays are sufficiendy bright to ensure dear lability, while at the same time avoiding a display that is overly bright. 2. Technology utilized to ensure appropriate brightness. Most electronic displays are designed to produce sufGdent brightness to ensure dear legibility during daylight hours. Howevetj daytime brightness setting are usually inappropriate for ni^ttime viewing. The following general methods are used to dim an dectronic display for appropriate nighttime viewing: 1. Manual Dimming. Using this method, the sign operator dims the display in response to changing ambient light condidons. 2. Scheduled Dimming. Sunset-sunrise tables allow an dectronic display to be programmed to dim at the same time that the sun sets and rises. This method is generally acceptable, but is more effecdve when used as a backup to automadc dimming controls capability, such as photocell technology. 3. Photocell Technology. An electronic display that utilizes photocell technology can automatically dim as light conditions change. A photocdl sensor alerts the display to adjust brightness accordii^ to ambient light condidons. Most electronic displays are desired to produce sufficient brightness to ensure clear le^bility during daylight hours. However, daytime brightness settings are usually inappropriate for nighttime viewing. ISA » International Sign Association • A Summary Report on EMC Brightness Levels ISA Electronic Message Display Brightness Recommendations 3. Recommended brightness standards. ISA commissioned Dr. Ian Lewln of Lighting Sciences, Inc. to develop brightness criteria for on-premise electronic displays. Dr. Lewin is a leading lighting expert with over thirty years experience in the lighting industry. Dr. Lewin recommended the development ofbrightness criteria based on the Illuminating Engineering Society's (lES) well-established standards pertaining to light trespass, IBS Publication TM-II-OO. The theory of light trespass is based on the concept of determining the amount of Hght that can spill over (or "trespass") into an adjacent area without being offensive. As a result of his research, Dr. Lewin recommended two different brightness settings based on whether the EMC was located in an area of high or low ambient light. After field testing and utilizing Dr. Lewins recommendations, it was determined that using the more conservative recommendation is appropriate in areas of both low and high ambient light. In order to simplify Dr. Lewins recommendations, and to take a more reasonable approach to ensure that EMCs are sufficiently visible but not overly bright, it is recommended that EMCs not exceed 0.3 footcandles over ambient lighting conditions when measured at the recommended distance, based on the EMC size. ...it is recommended that EMCs not exceed 0.3footcandles over ambient lighting conditions when measured at the recommended distance, based on the EMC size. 4. Brightness measurement methodology. There are two generally accepted measures of brightness in the sign industry; illuminance and luminance. lUiuninance, the preferred method, is a measure of the amount oflight intercepting an object at a given distance from a light source and is measured in footcandles or its metric equivalent, lux. Illuminance can be measured with a footcandle meter (also know as a luxmeter), which are relatively inexpensive ($100-1000) and commonly available. The footcandle merer should be accurate to two decimal points for accurate measurements. The second method, luminance, is an absolute measure of the amount of brightness that is being emitted from a light source and is usuaUy measured in candelas per square merer, also known as "nits." Luminance can be measured by use ofa "nit gun", which are expensive (-$3,000) and difficult to procure. The preferred method of measurement is illuminance using a footcandle meter because a measure of luminance fails to account for ambient light conditions. ISA • International Sign Association i,lstrpuma Summary Report on EMC Brightness Levels Recommended Legislative Language m. CC 1. Electronic Message Center (EMC) Criteria: The illumination of an EMC shall conform with die criteria set forth in this section. A. EMC Illumination Measurement Criteria: The illuminance ofan EMC shall be measured with an illuminance meter set to measure footcandles accurate to at least two decimals. Illuminance shall be measured with the EMC off, and again with the EMC displaying a white image for a full color- capable EMC, or a solid message for a single-color EMC. All measurements shall be taken perpindicular to the face of the EMC at the distance determined by the total square footage of the EMC as set forth in the accompanying Sign Area Versus Measurement Distance table. B. EMC lUumination limits: The difference between the off and solid-message measurements using the EMC Measurement Criteria shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles. C. Dimming Capabilities: All permitted EMCs shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions, or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3 footcandle measurements. D. Definition of EMC: A sign that utilizes computer-generated messages or some other electronic means of changing copy. These signs include displays using incandescent lamps, LEDs, LCDs or a fliper matrix. SIGN AREA VERSUS MEASUREMENT DISTANCE AREA OF SIGN sq.it. MEASUREMENT Distance (fit.) 10 32 15 39 20 45 25 50 30 55 35 59 40 63 45 67 50 71 55 74 60 77 65 81 70 84 75 87 80 89 85 92 90 95 95 97 100 100 110 105 120 110 130 114 140 118 150 122 160 126 170 130 180 134 190 138 200 141 220 148 240 155 260 161 280 167 300 173 ISA • International Sign Association A Summary Report on EMC Brightness Levels EMC Brightness Levels How to Measure the Brightness of an Electronic Message Center (EMC) STEP OBTAIN AN ILLUMINANCE METER. Purchase or otherwise procure an illuminance meter. Most dty/coun^' traffic departments have an illuminance meter, which are also referred to as lux or footcandle meters (lux is the metric measure ofilluminance; footcandles is the English measure ofilluminance). The illuminance meter must have the djility to provide a reading up to two decimal places and must be set to read foot- candles. It is preferred to have an illuminance meter with a screw-mount that allows the sensor to be mounted on a tripod. A tripod ensures that the highly sensitive sensor Is held perfecdy still; otherwise it may be difficult to obtain an accurate reading. If you do not have an illuminance meter, the Kbnica Minolta T-10 is a high quality illuminance meter that works well. However, other less expensive illuminance meters may also provide adequate results. The International Sign Association has no affiliation with Konica Minolta. STEP 2 DETERMINE SQUARE FOOTAGE. Determine the square footage of the face of the electronic message sign (EMC) by multiplying the height and width of the EMC. This information may be available In a permit application, or can be determined by physically measuring the height and width of the EMC. Do not include the sign face square footage attributable to any additional static signs associated with the EMC (if applicable). STEP 3 DETERMINE THE MEASUREMENT DISTANCE Using the total square footage found in Step 2, look up the measurement distance in the table provided in the Recommended L^islative Language on page 6, to determine the distance to measure the brightness of the EMC. The distance should be measured perpendicular to the EMC sign face. The use ofa measuring wheel is the most convenient way to measure the distance. w iSi£ ISA • International Sign Association • A Summary Report on EMC Brightness Levels How to Measure tlie Brightness of an Electronic Message Center STEP 4 STEP 5 [CONTINUED:! PREPARE THE DISPLAY FOR TESTING. Ensure that the EMC is programmed to alternate between a solid white (or in the case ofa monodirome display - the solid color of the display) message and a blank message. You may wish to include a provision in your code that requires the EMCs in your community to be programmed to alternate briefly (3-5 seconds) between a white message or a blank message for a short interval at a given time of night, or you may wish to have a requirement that the sign owner cooperate with testing by programming the EMC for testing upon written notice. 5 USE AN ILLUMANCE METER TO MEASURE THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE EMC Mount the sensor of your illuminance meter to a tripod and orient the sensor directly towards the face of the EMC at the measurement distance determined in Step 2. Ensure that the illuminance meter is set to measure footcandles up to two decimal places. As the display altematcs between a solid white message and a blank message, note the range of values on die illuminance merer. Ifthe difference between the readings is less than 0.3 footcandles, then the brighmess of the display is in compliance. If not, the display will need to be adjusted to a lower brightness level using the manufacturers recommended procedures. Delictoua Menu fterra to s.inii\ STEP 6 ENSURE THAT THE DISPLAY CAN ADJUST TO DIFFERENT AMBIENT CONDITIONS. Inspect the sign to ensure diat it incorporates a photocell or other technology to ensure that the display can adjust according to ambient lighting conditions. As the display alternates betwee^t a solid white message and a blank message, note the range ofvalues on the illuminance meter. If the difference between the readings is less than 0.3 footcandles, then the brightness of the display is in compliance. • International Sign Association • A Summary Report on EMC Brightness Levels International Sign Association I GDI N. FAIRFAX STREET, SUITE 30 I ALEXANDRIA. VA 223 I A 703.836.6067 PH 703.836.8353 FAX WWW.SIGNS.ORG i- 16956 SHERWOOD HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2006 Recommended Brightness Levels for On-Premise Electronic Message Centers