A windsock is a conical textile tube that is used as a simple basic guide to determine wind direction and wind speeds. Windsocks can be found in all airports in the Maldives.
Windsocks are mostly seen in red and white stripes but different colors are used in different parts of the world. The general idea is to choose a color that would be most visible with the background of where the windsock is installed.
The wind direction is indicated from the windsock by the direction in which the windsock is pointing.
The wind Speed is indicated by the windsocks angle relative to the mounting pole. In low winds, the windsock droops while in high winds the windsock flies horizontally.
Other than airports, windsocks are also used in factories or industrial areas where hazardous gases or substances can be released.
The purpose is to allow those in the area to quickly estimate the direction and the speed at which hazardous substances are being blown to allow for a better getaway in an emergency.