Live Shipping Movement Data
Here's something a little different, and although not really weather related it's interesting and good fun to see all the current shipping movements taking place around our coast. Automatic Identification System (AIS) is an aid to navigation to help ships avoid collisions, as well as helping the rescue services and port authorities to better control sea traffic. All commercial vessels over 300 Gross Tonnes are fitted with AIS transponders which allow other vessels to see who is sailing near to them. The transponders send data to a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, which collects position and movement details.
If it's a bit small click here for a full screen version.
If it's a bit small click here for a full screen version.