Virtual Reality: The Solution for the Mariner's All Weather Port

Stephen F. Ford

Abstract:	The paper illustrates a conceptual integration of modem navigation devices and three dimensional electronic charts which provide the mariner with a virtual reality world that will enable “all weather” navigation. An individual vessel system is addressed and then expanded to a port-wide system by the incorporation of the additional technology of Automated Data Surveillance Systems (ADSS). The paper depicts the integration of Differential Global Positioning (DGPS), Vector Electronic Nautical Charts (ENC), Physical Oceanographic Real-Time Systems (PORTS) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies into a navigation device that will generate a duplicate electronic world in which the mariner can operate the vessel irrespective of external weather phenomena that reduces visibility. The erosion of NOAA’s charting budgets must be reversed to accomplish this vision. The importance of the accuracy of modem survey data and the crucial leadership role of NOAA is stressed. An outline of an implementation plan for the Galveston-Texas City area is discussed. The relevance of the proposal as the template and foundation for a port city’s Geographic Information System (GIS) is identified and emphasized. Commercial economic incentives and considerations are identified.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 52nd Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1996) June 19 - 21, 1996 Royal Sonesta Hotel Cambridge, MA
Pages:	357 - 363
Cite this article:	Ford, Stephen F., "Virtual Reality: The Solution for the Mariner's All Weather Port," Proceedings of the 52nd Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1996), Cambridge, MA, June 1996, pp. 357-363.
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