In a significant stride for maritime data analysis, a recent study published in the journal ‘Geomatics’ (Geomatics is the discipline of gathering, storing, analyzing, and disseminating geospatial information) has demonstrated that open-access positioning data can be used to reconstruct coastal vessel activity with remarkable accuracy. The research, led by Moritz Hütten of GRID Inc. in Tokyo, Japan, focused on three months of open Automatic Identification System (AIS) data in the Baltic Sea from August to October 2024. The findings offer valuable insights for navigation safety, environmental assessment, and commercial operations.
Hütten and his team developed cleansing and reconstruction methods to improve data quality, even with limited data quality and incomplete receiver coverage. They also created a journey model that converts AIS message data into vessel counts, traffic estimates, and spatially resolved vessel density at a resolution of approximately 400 meters. “We found that on average, more than 4000 vessels operate simultaneously in the Baltic Sea, and over 300 vessels enter or leave the area each day,” Hütten explained. This data includes both moving and stationary activity, with uncertainties accounted for.
The study’s vessel density maps enable the identification of port locations and the busiest coastal areas in the Baltic Sea. The results align within 20% with previous studies that relied on proprietary data, validating the effectiveness of open-access AIS data. “Our methods show that open data can be a powerful tool for maritime analysis, offering cost-effective solutions for various stakeholders,” Hütten added.
For maritime professionals, this research presents several commercial impacts and opportunities. The ability to accurately track and analyze vessel activity using open-access data can enhance navigation safety by identifying high-traffic areas and potential collision risks. Environmental assessments can be improved by monitoring vessel density and movement patterns, aiding in the reduction of maritime pollution and the protection of sensitive ecosystems.
Commercially, shipping companies and port operators can leverage this data to optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption, and improve operational efficiency. The identification of busy coastal areas can also inform investment decisions, such as the expansion of port facilities or the development of new maritime services. Additionally, the study’s methods can be applied to other regions, providing a scalable solution for global maritime data analysis.
In summary, Hütten’s research highlights the potential of open-access AIS data in reconstructing and analyzing maritime activity. By improving data quality and developing innovative models, the study offers valuable insights for navigation safety, environmental assessment, and commercial operations. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the effective use of open data will play a crucial role in driving efficiency, sustainability, and growth.