Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology is used worldwide for the identification and monitoring of maritime traffic. AIS is a highly effective navigational and collision avoidance tool, and is a powerful component of:
- Port and Traffic Management applications
- Asset Tracking
- Maritime Domain Awareness
- Homeland Security
- Search and Rescue (SAR) operations
- and more
Data Types
All AIS transmissions include two categories of information: static and dynamic.
Static
Static vessel information is programmed into the unit and specific to the vessel on which the AIS transponder is installed, including:
- the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number
- VHF radio Call Sign
- size
- draught
- cargo
Dynamic
Dynamic Data is GPS-driven and provides real-time reports of
- vessel location
- heading
- direction
- speed
- navigational status (underway, at anchor, etc.)
Sensor Integration
AIS can also handle environmental data from peripheral sensors, such as:
- wind speed and direction
- tide height
- water depth
- particulate levels
- and more
The “Internet of Things (IoT)” model has given rise to analytic applications of AIS data such as efficiency modeling and environmental protection. These kinds of applications use the existing infrastructure of AIS as the carrier for analytic data, and are limited only by the (rapidly increasing) availability of peripheral sensor technology.