Chart of the Future
Maximizing Mariner Effectiveness through Fusion of Marine and Visualization Technologies

The Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM) at the University of New Hampshire has undertaken the Chart-of-the-Future Project to aid in the development of future generations of navigational charting systems. The goal of the Chart-of-the-Future Project is to develop a marine decision support system that takes full advantage of existing and emerging technologies in order to maximize safety and efficiency in routine marine responsibilities. Listed below are selected research projects aimed at contributing to this project.

GeoCoastPilot

*Expected release date June 2008...stay tuned!
The main idea behind creating the GeoCoastPilot is to bring the existing Coast Pilot™ publication into the realm of modern interactive media. The information in the Coast Pilot™ books is often given piecemeal, leading mariners to read whole sections about a particular area of interest in order to pick out the few fragments that will be relevant on their next approach. The GeoCoatPilot will provide linkages between the written text, 2D and 3D views, web content, and other primary sources such as charts, maps, and related federal regulations.

GeoNav3D

We are developing a working research prototype called GeoNav3D. Our approach is to integrate relevant technologies into a dynamic system that presents a comprehensible unified interface to the responsible mariner. We are integrating detailed bathymetric models, tide models, vessel models for under-keel clearance and maneuvering, models of wind and currents, GPS, and sonar into a single computer interface.

Plumlee, M. , Arsenault, R. , Brennan, R. T., Ware, C. , 2004, "The CCOM Chart of the Future Project: Maximizing Mariner Effectiveness through Fusion of Marine & Visualization Technologies", 7th Marine Transportation System Research and Technology Coordination Conference, Washington DC, USA, 16 - 17 November. Conference Proceeding.

Panoramas

We have been conducting an investigation of ways to present photographic imagery to the mariner to better capture the utility of the early coastline sketches. Our focus has been on navigation in restricted waters, using the Piscataqua River as a test area. Through our investigation, we have developed a new method for presenting photographic imagery to the mariner, in the form of a series of panoramic images progressing down the channel.

Plumlee, M., C. Ware, R. Arsenault, and Lt. Richard Brennan. 2005. Panoramic Images for Situational Awareness in a 3D Chart-of-the-Future Display. U.S. Hydro 2005, San Diego, CA. March. CD-ROM proceedings.

Predictor

Inexperienced helmsmen often oversteer because of the lag that occurs between changing the rudder angle and a change in the vessel's heading. Predictive displays are a common way of mitigating the effect of lag on human control. Accordingly we developed a predictive display to show the position and heading of a vessel a short time in the future. With this display, the helmsman's task becomes that of keeping the predictor on the planned path. In effect, the predictor is steered, not the vessel.

Sullivan, B. , Ware, C. , Plumlee, M. , 2006, "Predictive Displays for Survey Vessels", Human Factors and Ergonomic Studies, San Fransisco, CA, USA, 16 - 20 October, pp. 1 - 5. Conference Proceeding.

AIS

A specification is being developed to enable hydrographic and maritime safetly agencies to encode AIS message contents using XML. AIS binary messages are an effective means to digitally conmmunicate relevant ports/waterways information related to dynamic and real-time information.

Alexander, L. , Schwehr, K. , 2007, "Encoding AIS Binary Messages in XML Format for Providing Hydrographic-related Information", International Hydrographic Review, Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 36 - 57. Journal Article.