The Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are both important pieces of equipment for maritime vessels. AIS is used to track vessel locations and GIS is used to store, manage, manipulate, and analyze spatial data. While they share some similarities, there are a few key differences between these two systems. This blog post will explore those differences in more detail.
What is AIS?
AIS is the Automatic Identification System. AIS is a collision avoidance technology that uses transponders on ships to broadcast their position, course, and speed. AIS automatically transmits data that can be received and processed by other AIS-equipped vessels and shore-based stations.
- This unencrypted broadcast data can be used to track and identify vessels, determine their closest point of approach (CPA) and time of closest approach (TCA), and assess the risk of collision.
- AIS also allows Ships to share information such as navigational hazards, weather conditions, and search and rescue information. AIS was developed in response to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) mandate to increase safety at sea.
- AIS is a key component of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). AIS-equipped vessels are required to maintain a continuous watch on Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) or on an AIS designated distress, safety, calling, or working frequency.
A number of AIS applications have been developed that allow users to monitor, display and analyze AIS data. AIS data can be used for vessel traffic management, maritime situational awareness, maritime security, as well as search and rescue operations.
What is GIS?
AIS is the Automatic Identification System. AIS is a collision avoidance technology that uses transponders on ships to broadcast their position, course, and speed. AIS automatically transmits data that can be received and processed by other AIS-equipped vessels and shore-based stations.
- This unencrypted broadcast data can be used to track and identify vessels, determine their closest point of approach (CPA) and time of closest approach (TCA), and assess the risk of collision.
- AIS also allows Ships to share information such as navigational hazards, weather conditions, and search and rescue information. AIS was developed in response to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) mandate to increase safety at sea.
- AIS is a key component of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). AIS-equipped vessels are required to maintain a continuous watch on Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) or on an AIS designated distress, safety, calling, or working frequency.
A number of AIS applications have been developed that allow users to monitor, display and analyze AIS data. AIS data can be used for vessel traffic management, maritime situational awareness, maritime security, as well as search and rescue operations.
Differences between AIS and GIS
- AIS and GIS are both systems that can be used for tracking and managing information. However, there are some key differences between the two systems. AIS is primarily used for tracking maritime vessels, while GIS is used for a variety of applications including mapping, surveying, and land management.
- AIS uses a network of satellites and terrestrial receivers to track the position of vessels, while GIS relies on ground-based surveys and GPS data. AIS data is typically updated in real-time, while GIS data is often delayed by several hours or even days.
- As a result, AIS is generally considered to be more accurate than GIS. Another key difference between AIS and GIS is that AIS data is typically proprietary and not available to the general public, while GIS data is often open source. This makes AIS more expensive to use than GIS. However, AIS also offers a number of features that are not available with GIS, such as the ability to track vessel speed and heading.
Conclusion
Although both AIS and GIS are useful for tracking objects and locations, they have different applications. For example, AIS is mainly used for maritime purposes while GIS can be used for a variety of tasks such as land management, urban planning, and market research. Understanding the differences between these two systems will help you choose the right tool for your needs.
