Marine Navigation Data System Using Vessel Draft for Depth Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inadequate funding and maintenance of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) lead to outdated navigation information, making it challenging for vessels to obtain reliable data on channel location, depth, and usability, especially due to shoaling issues, and existing systems like NOAA charts are outdated and difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A system that collects and communicates near-real-time marine navigation information using vessel keel depth, location, time, and tidal information (KVD) from deep draft vessels, including tug boats and sailboats, through a network of data transmitters and servers, providing a depth confidence indicator (DCI) for safe navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NOAA Navigation Charts are used for navigation information, then a standardized charting system is available, but the data is years out of date and highly suspect for accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously collecting actual draft measurements from vessels navigating the waterway and using this data to update channel depth information in real-time. This creates a closed-loop system where navigation data is continuously validated and updated based on actual vessel performance, ensuring the information remains current and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing vessels to contribute their own draft measurement data to the network, which is then automatically processed and made available to all users. This distributed approach eliminates the need for centralized, periodic surveys and allows the system to maintain itself through continuous data contribution from the vessel community.
2Measurement precision
If FOIA hydrographic surveys are obtained, then detailed depth data may be available, but they are difficult to obtain and use for the typical boater
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates simplified copies of complex hydrographic survey data by translating detailed depth information into user-friendly draft depth indicators. Instead of presenting raw survey data, the system processes and presents simplified depth guidance that is easily understood and applied by typical boaters, maintaining accuracy while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between complex hydrographic survey data and end-users by automatically processing, validating, and transforming raw survey information into practical navigation guidance. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of data acquisition and processing, presenting only the essential information needed for safe navigation.
3Reliability
If institutional knowledge from senior boat captains is utilized, then experienced navigation insights are available, but the knowledge is limited and not well publicized
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by creating a platform that serves multiple functions: it collects data from experienced captains, validates it against actual vessel draft measurements, processes it through automated algorithms, and distributes it to the entire boating community. This multi-functional system transforms individual institutional knowledge into a universal navigation resource accessible to all users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical, informal transmission of institutional knowledge (word-of-mouth among captains) with an automated electronic information system. Instead of relying on personal networks and informal sharing, the system uses automated data collection, processing, and distribution mechanisms to disseminate navigation knowledge efficiently and scalably.
4Reliability
If the ICW is maintained with adequate funding, then channel depth and location accuracy improve, but inadequate funding prevents maintenance and causes crisis-focused operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements skipping by allowing vessels to rapidly traverse potentially hazardous sections of the waterway with real-time depth information, rather than requiring slow, methodical surveying and maintenance operations. This enables navigation through challenging conditions by skipping over the need for continuous physical maintenance interventions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing near real time navigation information includes a first communication device configured to transmit collection vessel data representing collection vessel draft and a geoposition. It also includes a second communication device configured to transmit user vessel data, including user vessel draft and user geoposition. A processing device is configured to determine a keel verified depth (KVD) based upon the collection vessel depth for the geoposition and transmit that data to the second communication device.