Many Internet-transmitted AIS tracking networks are available. Among the best known : Marine Traffic, Vessel Finder, SiiTech, The LocalizaTodo, and many others. One of these networks stands out particularly, AIS hub, an AIS data sharing Center in NMEA format, that provides developers with an API for integration of its network into applications, and therefore display of AIS targets received via the Internet directly in the application. Featured from the origin in the functions of Weather4D Routing & Navigation, this system has made it possible to envisage new and particularly innovative services.
Public sharing of AIS data
The two leaders of weather, routing and navigation apps, SailGrib Android and Weather4Dusers with iOS, have partnered to provide this service to boaters using mobile devices. Thanks to a new server built as an AISHub network station, users of both applications can transmit via an Internet connection, not only their own location, but also those of all the received targets surrounding them, thus multiplying the number of targets in public broadcast by the AISHub network. In addition, this sharing can be achieved in direct satellite connection with an Iridium GO! while GRIB file request in the open sea (¹).
The AISHub server station 2345, administered by APP4NAV, can broadcast all AIS targets received by SailGrib and Weather4D users
In this way, wherever users are located, If they leave their AIS receivers and AIS sharing enabled in their application, even in the harbour or anchorage, AIS targets they receive will be broadcast over the network, contributing to improve coverage of regions lacking land-based station.
All targets received with SailGrib by the ship (Center) are broadcasted on the AISHub network
Navigational data sharing
In addition to the AIS sharing, applications can share their navigation data. The ship's real-time atmospheric data : wind speed and direction, pressure, air temperature, and hydrological data : speed and direction of current, sea temperature, according to the instruments connected to the application.
If all boaters provided with SailGrib or Weather4D enable data sharing all along their cruise, this will create an interesting grid to compare the actual data recorded with weather and ocean forecasts. We can even consider adding instant calculation of wave height and period, using the internal sensors, for example the accelerometer 3 axes combined with the atmospheric pressure sensor of the iPad.
Thus pleasure boats become, actually, weather stations sending real-time data from their respective positions. This may be of interest, furthermore boaters themselves, rallies organizers, boat owners associations, clubs, and even, why not, Weather Services.
Sending location and shared data during a Weather4D access to servers for a GRIB download with an Iridium GO!
Private sharing on a dedicated “Cloud”
From the record of course data, track, weather and hydro, a dedicated website is being developed so that boaters can collect in private accounts their data, formatted on specific pages (track graphics, logbook, pictures, texts, etc.) they can share with their loved ones in a secure way.
At a time when social networks have become the standard of communication, SailGrib and Weather4D join forces to create a true nautical network to serve their users, through the voluntary sharing of their data — a sharing that remains, however, absolutely optional — while increasing the overall security. An initiative that should be welcomed.
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(¹) Available in all versions Weather4D, soon in SailGrib.
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