Potential Fields in Modeling Transport over Water

Abstract

Without an explicit road-like regulation, following the proper sailing routes and practices is still a challenge mostly addressed using seamen’s know-how and experience. This chapter focuses on the problem of modeling ship movements over water with the aim to extract and represent this kind of knowledge. The purpose of the developed modeling method, inspired by the theory of potential fields, is to capture the process of navigation and piloting through the observation of ship behaviors in transport over water on narrow waterways. When successfully modeled, that knowledge can be subsequently used for various purposes. Here, the models of typical ship movements and behaviors are used to provide a visual insight into the actual normal traffic properties (maritime situational awareness) and to warn about potentially dangerous traffic behaviors (anomaly detection). A traffic modeling and anomaly detection prototype system STRAND implements the potential field based method for a collected set of AIS data. A quantitative case study is taken out to evaluate the applicability and performance of the implemented modeling method. The case study focuses on quantifying the detections for varying geographical resolution of the detection process. The potential fields extract and visualize the actual behavior patterns, such as right-hand sailing rule and speed limits, without any prior assumptions or information introduced in advance. The display of patterns of correct (normal) behavior aids the choice of an optimal path, in contrast to the anomaly detection which notifies about possible traffic incidents. A tool visualizing the potential fields may aid traffic surveillance and incident response, help recognize traffic regulation and legislative issues, and facilitate the process of waterways development and maintenance.