In the vast sea of data that modern maritime operations generate, finding the most relevant information quickly can be a challenge. Researchers from Dalian Maritime University have developed a new algorithm that could make this process more efficient, potentially benefiting various sectors within the maritime industry.
The team, led by BAI Mei, CHANG Shihan, and WANG Xite from the School of Information Science and Technology at Dalian Maritime University, has proposed an algorithm named DSR for processing location-based skyline queries in road networks. Skyline queries are used to find the most relevant data points based on certain criteria, like the shortest distance or the best price. In the context of maritime operations, this could mean finding the most efficient routes, the nearest ports, or the best deals on supplies.
The problem with existing technologies, as BAI explains, is that they require enormous calculations of road network distance and dominant relations between data points. “This reduces the query efficiency,” she says. The DSR algorithm aims to solve this issue by using an inverted index query based on road network data points. This means it can get the final result by calculating the road network distance of a small number of data points, greatly reducing the cost of these calculations.
The algorithm also speeds up the determination of dominant relations between data points, improving query efficiency. Moreover, it can dynamically maintain the algorithm in the case of data point updates, quickly calculating the skyline set by maintaining a small amount of data.
The commercial impacts of this research could be significant. For shipping companies, it could mean more efficient route planning, reducing fuel costs and emissions. Port operators could use it to manage traffic more effectively, improving turnaround times for vessels. Even in the offshore industry, it could help in the quick location of the nearest support vessels or supplies.
The researchers tested their algorithm against other algorithms like SSI and BSS. “Our algorithm displays higher query efficiency, and its performance grows with the data size,” says CHANG. This means that as the amount of data increases, the DSR algorithm becomes even more effective.
The research was published in the journal ‘Jisuanji gongcheng’, which translates to ‘Computer Engineering’. While the study is still in its early stages, it opens up exciting opportunities for the maritime industry to leverage data more effectively, improving efficiency and reducing costs. As the industry continues to embrace digitalization, such advancements in data processing could become increasingly valuable.