Waves Group / Services / Maritime Digitalisation / AIS Data

AIS Data

AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a compulsory vessel tracking system fitted to all commercial vessels and voluntarily by many other vessels and assets. This data is transmitted via radio signals, and therefore allows any external observer to see a vessel’s position, course, and speed, as well as a whole host of other data. Using a combination of terrestrial receivers and satellite networks, it is now possible to obtain detailed live and historical insight into vessel movements almost worldwide.

AIS data is often available very quickly following an incident and can lead to powerful operational insight. Waves Group regularly source, interpret and display historical AIS data in a number of ways, such as with static positions overlaid onto maritime charts and/or satellite imagery, 2D video reconstruction and full 3D visualisation. We have developed links with all of the major AIS data providers, so we can focus on getting the best data available for our client’s particular needs.

Waves Group regularly provide:

  • Single or multi vessel AIS historical tracks, plotted onto digital maritime charts and/or satellite imagery as appropriate
  • Incorporation of AIS data into larger scale reconstructions, such as from VDR or ECDIS data
  • Port/berth use monitoring, such as for business interruption claims
  • Time/area search – identify which vessels were in a particular location at a particular time

All of the above can be provided as a standalone service or as part of our wider consultancy and expert witness offering.

AIS data on a large scale allows remote tracking of the world’s fleets and empowers many fleet management solutions. Waves Group have wide experience of the application and use of such systems and are able to provide detailed consultancy services for development.

AIS is also a key component of many big data applications in maritime, including insurance underwriting algorithms. Waves Group provide consultancy services giving operational insight into the issues surrounding maritime data collection. AIS data viewed in isolation may often be misleading. Understanding the operational circumstances surrounding the data acquisition can lead to far greater clarity and data accuracy.

For more information about AIS data please contact mail@waves-group.co.uk.