Coverage effectiveness analysis of AIS base station: A case study in Yangtze River

AIS data are of great significance to ensure the safety of ship navigation and strengthen maritime management. The present study focuses on the situations of AIS data loss in practical applications to research coverage of AIS base station. The original AIS data is pre-processed in accordance with structure characteristics, including data packet, data filtering and so on. Data reconstruction has been performed by applying piecewise cubic Hermite interpolation function. In order to identify AIS data loss for different segments, the study area is divided into several sub-areas, on basis of which AIS data loss rate has been statistically computed and visually presented by using mapping technique. The characteristics of individual vessel passing through the area are investigated as well. By applying visual analysis method, the coverage of AIS base station at the upper Yangtze River is revealed. The present study provides novel insights into AIS base station arrangement strategies, thus AIS data loss rate could be reduced.