Difference Between AIS and GIS

AIS vs GIS

Undoubtedly, our technology has advanced even to the most unimaginable things. Who would have thought that a human would be able to fly? Who would have thought that a human can control things with just a press of a button? Who would have thought that a human can clone a species? Some would say that humans have become gods. It may look like humans are gods with the way things are. Almost everything is automatic like the AIS and GIS. The differences between AIS and GIS are presented in the following article:

Automatic Identification System (AIS)

The year 1999 marked the beginning of AIS, or the Automatic Identification System. This AIS is a kind of recognition system for VHF-based ships. If your ship is 300 gross tons used primarily in international voyages, you need to install an AIS device since this is a compulsory measure. Over the years, AIS has proven its usefulness in the prevention of ship collisions as well as assistance in Vessel Traffic Services (VTS).

AIS development has lead to the birth of the Virtual Automatic Identification System which is based on the technology of the Pseudo Automatic Identification System (PAIS). This PAIS is the content broadcast of VTS centers to other ships that don’t have AIS technology. The VTS center will send a message to the ships around the area so that they can give a wide space for the towing vessels.

After the concept of PAIS, virtual buoys and virtual pilots have been introduced. The VTS center will send a message among the ships around the port regarding the absent navigational ships or the virtual buoys. This AIS messaging is like the possibilities that might occur when the actual ship travels in this area. Virtual buoys are like forewarnings for the actual ships that will be coming to port. With that, the ships can navigate away from dangerous spots or obstacles. Virtual pilots are like automatic ship piloting. It is a system in which navigational points are presented so that the ship can only follow these points. With virtual pilots, the ship can safely reach its port destination.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

Geographic Information System, or GIS, is a kind of mapping and analysis software. Many use GIS because it is an effective and powerful tool to keep things on track. Some of its uses are the following:

Delivery routes. GIS helps the vehicles to determine routes which are shorter and faster. This way, vehicles can avoid the heavy traffic on the streets. With GIS, they can reach their point of destination in just a short amount of time.

Traffic improvements. Analyzing the current road status will be immediate with GIS. Road repairs, traffic lights, or any other street-related problem can be easily spotted with GIS.

Houses and real estate. GIS can show you the location of your dream house. You can also verify what kind of neighborhood your dream house is actually located in.

Crime prevention. Law enforcement can keep the whole city at peace with GIS. GIS shows them all the road data in which the police can track down runaway suspects. With GIS, they can also locate the areas or slums where crimes are at large.

Emergency and disaster monitoring. When tragedy strikes, rescuers will be able to plan where to track the tragedy victims. GIS provides the safest routes for the rescuers to take.

Project plans. Before putting up a building or any other structure, you can analyze the area and its impact on the whole community. Will the supposed infrastructure be of benefit or just another dilemma?

Summary:

1. “AIS” means Automatic Identification System while “GIS” means Geographic Information System.

2. AIS is used for towing and navigating ships while GIS is used in many fields like housing and real estate, crime prevention, traffic improvement, etc.

3. Both AIS and GIS are advanced technologies to track your activities.

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