Viewing Angles

Not all installation sites are the same. Factors like curving roadways, shoulder-mounted sign locations, and side visibility are some of the common site-related issues affecting sign legibility.

This is why Daktronics offers dynamic message signs in three viewing angle options—focused (15 degrees), wide (30 degrees), and extra-wide (70 degrees)—to ensure optimum viewing area. Contact Daktronics, and we'll help you determine what viewing angle could be best for your application.

How do I measure a viewing angle?

Viewing angles are defined as where the intensity of the LEDs are at 50% of their maximum brightness when a traveler is viewing the DMS from a straight position.

For example, at 15 degrees off-center, the LED brightness in a standard 30 degree viewing cone would be 50% of the maximum intensity.

Viewing Cones

The graphics below shows examples of DMS viewing angles; note these graphics are not to scale.

Focused (15 degree) standard viewing angle for overhead placement on straight lengths of roadways and highways	Wide (30 degree) standard viewing angle for roadside placement and slightly curved lengths of roadways	Extra Wide (70 degree) wide viewing angle for wide highways and curved lengths of highway

Applying a viewing cone to a project

DMS signs have three viewing angles that offer the best balance between form and function; these angles can meet the needs of many drivers in diverse driving situations. Use the viewing cone graphic below to learn how wide—or narrow—a viewing cone will be need to be to fit your application.

The graphic above shows all three angles as they could be applied to a highway system. This graphic is not to scale, but it can be used for estimate the viewing angle that your highway or roadway needs.

Contact Daktronics Transportation 888.325.8726 for any questions about selecting a viewing angle for your needs.