Archives

Download MarineTraffic ship positions

Download MarineTraffic ship positions: A guide to track vessels in real time

If you are interested in tracking ships and vessels around the world, you might have heard of MarineTraffic, a global ship tracking service that uses Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology. But did you know that you can also download MarineTraffic ship positions and access them offline or customize your monitoring? In this article, we will explain what MarineTraffic is, how it works, why you should download MarineTraffic ship positions, how to do it, and what are the alternatives.

What is MarineTraffic and how does it work?

MarineTraffic is a service that displays near real-time positions of ships and yachts worldwide. It utilizes an extensive network of terrestrial AIS receivers and satellites to provide the most up-to-date data available. AIS is a system that transmits information such as vessel identification, course, speed, and location by VHF radio signals. AIS data can be received by other vessels, shore stations, or satellites within range.

MarineTraffic provides live map, vessel details, port information, and more

One of the main features of MarineTraffic is the live map, which shows the current location and movement of vessels on a Google Maps interface. You can zoom in and out, filter by vessel type, flag, speed, destination, and more. You can also click on any vessel to see its details, such as name, type, size, photos, voyage information, etc. Moreover, you can view information about ports, such as arrivals and departures, expected arrivals, berths, weather, etc. You can also search for specific vessels or ports using the search bar.

MarineTraffic also offers other services and features, such as density maps, nautical charts, notifications, fleet management, route planner, etc. Some of these services are free of charge, while others require a subscription or a fee. You can access MarineTraffic through its website or its mobile app for Android and iOS devices.

Why download MarineTraffic ship positions?

While MarineTraffic provides a lot of information online, you might want to download MarineTraffic ship positions for various reasons. For example:

Downloading MarineTraffic ship positions allows you to access data offline and customize your monitoring

If you download MarineTraffic ship positions, you can access them offline without an internet connection. This can be useful if you are in a remote area or have limited bandwidth. You can also import the downloaded data into other software or applications for further analysis or visualization. For instance, you can use Google Earth to view the vessel positions on a 3D globe.

Downloading MarineTraffic ship positions offers benefits such as enhanced safety, efficiency, and transparency

If you are involved in maritime activities, such as shipping, fishing, or cruising, downloading MarineTraffic ship positions can help you improve your operations and decision-making. For example, you can use the downloaded data to:

  • Plan your routes and avoid congestion or – hazards in the sea – Monitor your fleet and optimize your fuel consumption and maintenance – Track your cargo and ensure its security and quality – Communicate with other vessels and authorities and share your position and status – Enhance your situational awareness and avoid collisions or piracy – Learn from historical data and trends and improve your performance and competitiveness

By downloading MarineTraffic ship positions, you can also increase the transparency and accountability of your activities. You can share your data with your clients, partners, regulators, or the public, and demonstrate your compliance with laws and standards. You can also use the data to verify or dispute claims or disputes related to maritime incidents or transactions.

How to download MarineTraffic ship positions?

There are different ways to download MarineTraffic ship positions, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common methods:

You can download MarineTraffic ship positions using the Explore tool on the website or the app

One of the easiest ways to download MarineTraffic ship positions is to use the Explore tool on the website or the app. The Explore tool allows you to filter and download vessel positions based on various criteria, such as area, time, vessel type, flag, etc. You can also select specific vessels or ports to download their positions. The downloaded data will be in CSV format, which you can open with Excel or other software.

To use the Explore tool on the website, you need to have a registered account and a subscription plan. You can choose from different plans based on your needs and budget. The plans vary in terms of the number of downloads, the frequency of updates, the coverage area, and the features available. You can find more information about the plans and prices here.

To use the Explore tool on the app, you need to have a registered account and an active subscription. You can also purchase credits to download vessel positions on demand. The app allows you to download up to 100 vessel positions per day for free. You can find more information about the app and how to download vessel positions here.

You can also download MarineTraffic ship positions using third-party software or websites

If you want to download MarineTraffic ship positions using other platforms or tools, you can also do so using third-party software or websites. Some examples are:

  • AISHub: AISHub is a network of AIS stations that share their data with each other. You can join AISHub as a data provider or a data user. As a data provider, you need to have an AIS receiver and share your data with AISHub. As a data user, you need to have an account and a subscription plan. You can then access and download AIS data from AISHub’s website or API.
  • ShipPlotter: ShipPlotter is a software that allows you to receive, decode, display, and record AIS data from your own receiver or from internet sources. You can also export the AIS data to Google Earth or other formats.
  • AIS Decoder: AIS Decoder is a software that allows you to decode AIS data from various sources, such as audio files, sound cards, TCP/IP streams, etc. You can also save the decoded AIS data to CSV files.

These are just some examples of third-party software or websites that you can use to download MarineTraffic ship positions. However, you should be aware that these platforms may have different terms of use, data quality, reliability, and security than MarineTraffic. You should also check if they comply with the relevant laws and regulations regarding AIS data sharing and usage.

What are the alternatives to MarineTraffic ship positions?

MarineTraffic is not the only service that provides vessel tracking data. There are other alternatives that you can use to track ships and vessels around the world. Some of them are:

Some of the alternatives to MarineTraffic ship positions are VesselFinder, FleetMon, Ship Finder, and more

VesselFinder, FleetMon, Ship Finder, and more are some of the popular alternatives to MarineTraffic ship positions. They all offer similar services and features, such as live map, vessel details, port information, notifications, etc. They also have their own websites and mobile apps that you can access online or offline.

Each alternative has its own features, advantages, and disadvantages

While these alternatives have many similarities with MarineTraffic ship positions, they also have some differences that might affect your choice. For example:

– VesselFinder has a larger coverage area than MarineTraffic, as it claims to track over 180,000 vessels daily. However, it also has a higher subscription fee than MarineTraffic, ranging from $19.95 to $99.95 per month. – FleetMon has a more advanced route planner than MarineTraffic, as it allows you to calculate distances, fuel consumption, costs, and emissions for any route. However, it also has a more complex interface than MarineTraffic, which might be less user-friendly for some users. – Ship Finder has a more interactive live map than MarineTraffic, as it allows you to view the vessels in 3D and rotate them in any direction. However, it also has a lower data accuracy than MarineTraffic, as it relies on crowdsourced data from users.

These are just some examples of the features, advantages, and disadvantages of each alternative. You can compare them in more detail by visiting their websites or reading their reviews. You can also try them out for free or with a trial period before deciding which one suits your needs and preferences best.

Conclusion

Downloading MarineTraffic ship positions is a useful way to track vessels in real time and access data offline or customize your monitoring. It can also offer benefits such as enhanced safety, efficiency, and transparency for your maritime activities. You can choose from different methods and platforms to download MarineTraffic ship positions, such as the Explore tool on the website or the app, or third-party software or websites. You can also explore other options for vessel tracking based on your needs and preferences, such as VesselFinder, FleetMon, Ship Finder, and more.

We hope this article has helped you understand how to download MarineTraffic ship positions and what are the alternatives. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!

FAQs


What is the difference between AIS and GPS?

AIS and GPS are both systems that provide location information for vessels. However, they have some differences. AIS is a system that transmits and receives data by VHF radio signals, while GPS is a system that receives data by satellite signals. AIS data can be received by other vessels, shore stations, or satellites within range, while GPS data can only be received by the vessel itself or by authorized parties. AIS data includes vessel identification, course, speed, and other information, while GPS data only includes latitude and longitude coordinates.

How accurate is MarineTraffic ship positions?

MarineTraffic ship positions are generally accurate and reliable, as they are based on AIS data from terrestrial receivers and satellites. However, there might be some factors that affect the accuracy of MarineTraffic ship positions, such as:

  • The quality and availability of the AIS signal from the vessel or the receiver
  • The frequency and timeliness of the AIS data updates from the vessel or the receiver
  • The coverage and density of the AIS network in the area
  • The interference or distortion of the AIS signal by weather conditions or other sources
  • The intentional or unintentional manipulation or falsification of the AIS data by the vessel or the receiver

Therefore, you should always use MarineTraffic ship positions with caution and verification, especially for critical or sensitive purposes.

How can I download MarineTraffic ship positions for free?

If you want to download MarineTraffic ship positions for free, you have some options, such as:

  • Using the Explore tool on the app, which allows you to download up to 100 vessel positions per day for free
  • Using third-party software or websites that offer free AIS data downloads, such as AISHub, ShipPlotter, AIS Decoder, etc.
  • Using your own AIS receiver and software to receive and download AIS data from nearby vessels

However, you should be aware that these options may have limitations or drawbacks, such as:

  • The number of downloads, the frequency of updates, the coverage area, and the features available may be limited or restricted
  • The data quality, reliability, and security may be lower or uncertain than MarineTraffic
  • The terms of use, data sharing, and usage may be different or unclear than MarineTraffic
  • You may need to have technical skills or equipment to use these options

Therefore, you should always check the details and conditions of these options before using them.

How can I share my downloaded MarineTraffic ship positions with others?

If you want to share your downloaded MarineTraffic ship positions with others , you have some options, such as:

  • Uploading your downloaded data to a cloud storage service, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc., and sharing the link with others
  • Attaching your downloaded data to an email and sending it to others
  • Importing your downloaded data to a visualization tool, such as Google Earth, Tableau, Power BI, etc., and creating a map or a dashboard that you can share with others
  • Publishing your downloaded data on a website or a blog and making it accessible to others

However, you should be aware that these options may have implications or risks, such as:

  • The size and format of your downloaded data may affect the upload, download, or display speed and quality
  • The privacy and security of your downloaded data may be compromised or violated by unauthorized or malicious parties
  • The ownership and usage rights of your downloaded data may be unclear or disputed by MarineTraffic or others
  • You may need to have permission or consent from MarineTraffic or others to share your downloaded data

Therefore, you should always check the terms and conditions of these options and MarineTraffic before sharing your downloaded data with others.

How can I update my downloaded MarineTraffic ship positions?

If you want to update your downloaded MarineTraffic ship positions, you have some options, such as:

  • Downloading the latest vessel positions from MarineTraffic using the Explore tool or other methods and replacing or appending your existing data
  • Using third-party software or websites that offer live AIS data updates and syncing your existing data with them
  • Using your own AIS receiver and software to receive and update AIS data from nearby vessels

However, you should be aware that these options may have challenges or drawbacks, such as:

  • The number of downloads, the frequency of updates, the coverage area, and the features available may be limited or restricted by MarineTraffic or others
  • The data quality, reliability, and security may be lower or uncertain than MarineTraffic or others
  • The terms of use, data sharing, and usage may be different or unclear than MarineTraffic or others
  • You may need to have technical skills or equipment to use these options

Therefore, you should always check the details and conditions of these options and MarineTraffic before updating your downloaded data.

Adam Smith

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Read also x