Page 30 - hisdeSAT Annual Report 2017

2.3. THE AIS SATELLITE

SYSTEM

The satellite maritime traffic informa-
tion system (AIS) is managed through
the Canadian company exactEarth,
which was formed as a joint ventu-
re between COMDEV and Hisdesat. for governments and maritime, port
It has a pioneering fleet of 58 S-AIS and fishing authorities.
satellites in low orbit used for marine
observation, providing efficient, high Besides global traffic control and
quality coverage and tracking data coastal security, the system can be
for 165,000 vessels across the glo- used for search and rescue missions
be, even in remote regions. Multiple or environmental operations. The in-
ground stations receive this informa- formation received complements that
tion, decode the algorithms and then generated by the PAZ satellite. Envi-
process and distribute it to the client ronmental protection is a fundamen-
network. Being able to monitor all the tal role. The precision afforded by AIS
oceans of the world thus becomes a motoring systems, together with the
reality. information that can be supplied by
radar satellite, allows for the anticipa-
Accuracy has become an indispensa- tion of the spread of maritime pollu-
ble element of AIS. It is able to provide tion, thus encouraging respect for the
details about the identity of a vessel, environment and helping to comply
its location, route, speed, navigational with international protection proto-
status, destination and cargo, as well cols. Conservation is a non-negotiable
as manoeuvres being performed, dep- objective, and having at our disposal
th, length, registry, wave conditions, systems that help to prevent natu-
rocky areas, energy consumption, etc. ral disasters, assist in avoiding and
This information is extremely valuable
controlling the pollution of maritime,
con-tinental and subterranean waters
and, ultimately, ensure environmental
protection, represents a great advan-
ce in this field.

© EXACTEARTH

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