Visual encoding of automatic identification system (AIS) data for radar systems

Abstract

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a maritime system mostly used for automatically exchanging tracking and other relevant information between vessels. It supports decision making of nautical personnel such as master mariners. AIS data are multivariate including many aspects for identification and localization of ships and for navigation. However, during navigation not all AIS data are made visually available to the nautical personnel. In this paper, we propose a glyph-based visualization consistent with currently used encodings for intuitively and effectively encoding further so far missing AIS data attributes on radar screens. Proposed extensions aim at increasing maritime safety by helping mariners to assess traffic situations. We applied our visualization methods to real-world data recorded at the German North Sea coast and evaluated them with the help of an expert group.