exactAIS Density Map showing vessel traffic off the Horn of Africa in August 2013. Photo: exactEarth

[Via Satellite 07-14-2014] ExactEarth has released a new satellite Automatic Identification System (AIS) product called exactAIS Density Maps that enables customers to view millions of ship AIS messages through exactAIS. Data on vessel density can be used to avert the risk of ship strike. Density Maps can also be used to investigate shipping activity near Marine Protected Areas and other sensitive waters.

Bruce Winter, exactEarth’s product manager of data services said the product was influenced by an increase in the number of customers using the company’s global data feed or archived data to create their own density maps. exactEarth plans to offer pre-generated or fully customizable maps based on the user’s needs and areas of interest.