The Diversity of Intelligent Ship Navigation Systems

Michael Casey, J. Blake Bullock and Edward Krakiwsky

Abstract:	Marine navigation has been a most challenging exercise for centuries. As technology has advanced, so have the methods for navigating the seas. In particular, the onset of the Global Positioning System (GPS), other radio navigation techniques, electronic charting, and computer technology has given rise to a whole new class of intelligent ship navigation systems. These systems range from small handheld GPS navigation receivers that cost under $1,000 to systems that integrate extensive digital charts, positioning, navigation, fuel and engine room management, and autopilots, costing upwards of $100,000. At The University of Calgary, the authors have been gathering information about intelligent ship navigation systems to be included in an electronic database to be used as an information and teaching tool. A total of 122 systems have been identified and included in the Intelkent Ship Navination Svstems Database to date. The database describes the capabilities and characteristics of each system, outlining the positioning methods used, the hardware involved, the target market, the system features, and full references. In this paper, the authors review and describe the basic types of intelligent ship navigation systems in the database and illustrate the diversity among them. Trends in the rapidly growing field of marine navigation are identified, and standards issues are discussed.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 1995 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 18 - 20, 1995 Disneyland Hotel Anaheim, CA
Pages:	473 - 482
Cite this article:	Casey, Michael, Bullock, J. Blake, Krakiwsky, Edward, "The Diversity of Intelligent Ship Navigation Systems," Proceedings of the 1995 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, Anaheim, CA, January 1995, pp. 473-482.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In