The main idea behind creating the GeoCoastPilot is to bring the existing Coast Pilot™ publication into the realm of modern interactive media. The information in the Coast Pilot™ books is often given piecemeal, leading mariners to read whole sections about a particular area of interest in order to pick out the few fragments that will be relevant on their next approach. The GeoCoastPilot will provide linkages between the written text, 2D and 3D views, web content, and other primary sources such as charts, maps, and related federal regulations. Learn more about GeoCoastPilot.

Video of GeoCoastPilot

GeoNav3D integrates detailed bathymetric models, tide and current models, GPS, and sonar into a single 3D computer interface. A voyage planning feature allows for depth information to be displays at the estimated time of arrival using tidal forecasts. Learn more about GeoNav3D.

Plumlee, M. , Arsenault, R. , Brennan, R. T., Ware, C. 2004. The CCOM Chart of the Future Project: Maximizing Mariner Effectiveness through Fusion of Marine & Visualization Technologies. 7th Marine Transportation System Research and Technology Coordination Conference. Washington, DC. 16-17 November. Conference Proceeding.

Panoramas

We have been conducting an investigation of ways to present photographic imagery to the mariner to better capture the utility of the early coastline sketches. Our focus has been on navigation in restricted waters, using the Piscataqua River as a test area. Through our investigation, we have developed a new method for presenting photographic imagery to the mariner, in the form of a series of panoramic images progressing down the channel.

Plumlee, M., Ware, C., Arsenault, R. and Brennan, Lt. R. 2005. Panoramic Images for Situational Awareness in a 3D Chart-of-the-Future Display. U.S. Hydro 2005, San Diego, CA. March. CD-ROM proceedings.

Inexperienced helmsmen often oversteer because of the lag that occurs between changing the rudder angle and a change in the vessel's heading. Predictive displays are a common way of mitigating the effect of lag on human control. Accordingly we developed a predictive display to show the position and heading of a vessel a short time in the future. With this display, the helmsman's task becomes that of keeping the predictor on the planned path. In effect, the predictor is steered, not the vessel.

Sullivan, B., Ware, C. and Plumlee, M. 2006. Predictive Displays for Survey Vessels. Human Factors and Ergonomic Studies. San Francisco, CA. 16-20 October. pp. 1-5. Conference Proceeding.

A specification is being developed to enable hydrographic and maritime safety agencies to encode AIS message contents using XML. AIS binary messages are an effective means to digitally communicate relevant ports/waterways information related to dynamic and real-time information. Learn more about AIS.

Alexander, L. and Schwehr, K. 2007. Encoding AIS Binary Messages in XML Format for Providing Hydrographic-related Information, International Hydrographic Review. Vol. 8, No. 2. pp. 36-57. Journal Article.