For many, AIS data is only used to see ‘dots on a map’. Dots on a map have their place and purpose, but there is so much more information that can be extracted from real-time and historical AIS data to support business operations. GateHouse Maritime will be presenting a series of short articles exemplifying that Automatic Identification System (AIS) data is ’more than just dots on a map’.

Essentially, AIS data are time-stamped data points that contain location plus static and dynamic information about the vessel or asset. These data points can be used to generate actionable information. What information is generated and how it is applied is up to each organization.

To be able to generate actionable information, AIS data needs to be managed, structured and stored in a solution that leverages the latest database and Geographical Information System (GIS) tools to deliver user-defined information easily and in a timely manner. As informational needs will be different for every organization, and even change over time for the same organizations, it is also important that any AIS system must be scalable and flexible in order to deliver actionable information. GateHouse Maritime’s platform provides this capability via Software as a Service (SaaS) and Data as a Service (DaaS) solution. This means that no on-site installations are required to use the system.

This upcoming series of articles will provide real-world examples of actionable information generated from AIS data based on GateHouse Maritime’s more than 25 years of experience with AIS. Article topics will include:

• Monitoring vessel speed over ground (SOG) to manage fuel consumption and pollution
• Protecting environmentally sensitive areas
• Risks in ports – with focus on safety (Particularly for pilots and tugs)
• Detect and document illegal fishing activities
• Detect and document when other ships have their AIS transponder turned off (pirating)
• Protect your offshore assets proactively with direct communication to potential threats
• Supply chain and logistics (ETA predictions)
• Security applications including vessel rendez vous, port arrival and departure patterns for vessels
• Business development through the use of event detection, historical analytics and reporting

The articles will emphasize that the value of AIS data is defined and determined by the user, with the understanding that appropriate and actionable information drives decision making.