exactAIS®
About exactAIS®
exactAIS® provides a global capability for monitoring all AIS-equipped vessels using our own satellite constellation and global network of ground stations. As we receive AIS messages at our data processing centre in Canada, we forward these messages instantly to our customers via a secure internet link. The messages are provided in one of several industry standard formats that are compatible with most existing AIS display systems. exactAIS streams the data securely, quickly and continuously, enabling you to monitor any area of the planet for vessel traffic like never before. We process and distribute all received AIS messages in your Area of Interest (AOI) providing you with Maritime Mobile Service Identity Number (MMSI), ship location, ship course and ship speed. All data is also time-stamped and provided with each message.
In addition to complete global coverage, exactAIS detects many times more vessels than any other system, capturing thousands of distinct vessels in a single pass. Utilizing our patented processing technology, we are able to provide our customers with better information allowing you to make better decisions for security, traffic management, environmental and safety applications.
exactAIS is available on an annual or multi-year subscription with pricing based on factors unique to your needs – primarily the square nautical miles in your Area of Interest.
exactAIS provides global coverage today with additional satellites and ground stations being deployed in the coming months and years to continuously improve the refresh rate for the global maritime picture.
About AIS
Automatic Identification System (AIS) is an RF-based (Radio Frequency) communications system designed primarily as a collision avoidance system for large SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) class vessels. By broadcasting key details over VHF (Very High Frequency) every few seconds about their identification, current position, heading and speed, passing ships can select a safe course even when conditions prevent visual contact.
Since 2004, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has required AIS transponders to be aboard all vessels that exceed 300 gross tons. Over 60,000 ships worldwide have installed these transponders at a combined cost of several hundred million dollars, making AIS one of the most successful maritime technology deployments of all time. Additionally, AIS technology is increasingly being deployed in smaller vessels as well as Aids-To-Navigation (AtoN) and Search and Rescue (SAR) transponders.
The prevalence of AIS transponders has resulted in the increased value of AIS data that can be used not just by ships, but by naval forces, port authorities, coast guards and other competent maritime authorities to enhance the SOLAS convention and improve maritime situational awareness. While AIS has been deployed successfully, it suffers from a major limitation in that, due to the curvature of the Earth, its range is limited to approximately 50 nautical miles. Maritime agencies wish to gain greater visibility into vessel traffic over a much broader area in order to enhance their operational effectiveness. exactEarth believes the solution lies in collecting AIS transmissions from space.
Why Satellite AIS?
AIS, being an RF-based communications system, was never designed for reception of signals from space, however Satellite AIS greatly extends the range of the original system and creates many new application possibilities for competent maritime authorities. Visibility scope is significantly enhanced using Satellite AIS, creating increased maritime situational awareness well beyond the 50 nautical mile range from shore.
exactEarth has developed a unique technology which can collect, process, distribute and archive AIS messages received from ships all over the globe using a global satellite system and a patented advanced Satellite AIS detection technology.
exactEarth is deploying a constellation of microsatellites that orbit the Earth in a north-south direction, continually passing over different areas as the planet rotates. The satellites complete one orbit in 90 to 100 minutes. From their vantage point 650 km above the Earth’s surface, the spacecraft have a “field of view” approximately 5,000 km in diameter. The satellites’ objective is to collect AIS transmissions from all the ships that are within their field of view.
Why exactAIS?
exactAIS is a global vessel monitoring and tracking service based on world leading Satellite AIS (S-AIS) detection technology. It enhances maritime domain awareness for government authorities and selected commercial organisations around the world, with superior detection capability, secure distribution of information and unparalleled quality of service.
Unlike other Satellite AIS providers, exactEarth provides a full range of services to enhance the value of exactAIS, such as in-house expert software teams, customised information feeds, global sales and support organisation, and a 24/7 monitored Operations Centre.
What Does This Mean to Our Customers?
It means that you get the complete picture when it comes to understanding global maritime traffic. Visibility of ships is evident the first time to ensure you have the information you need as quickly as possible. The exactAIS system utilises a patented decollision algorithm which extracts the maximum number of AIS messages as possible, even in very crowded shipping areas providing you with an unprecedented level of performance. exactAIS is the ONLY system capable of detecting ships at the rate necessary - which we achieve even today.
Our system provides both the best in class detection rate in the industry and meets the quality requirements of our customers, ensuring that data reaches you in a highly secure and timely way.