Horizon is ICAN's shore-based vessel management solution for Vessel Traffic
Services (VTS) centres, and is the cornerstone of ICAN's suite of products.
It provides a complete AIS interface that includes the ability to track all
vessels, display vessel specific information, and send and receive safety-related
messages including text.
These standard messages can be broadcast to other VTS centers or
any other participant in the AIS network. Other information in the form of text
and binary data can address special functionality for specific users such as
regional water level, ARPA data, and lock or canal information, which may be
received as addressed or broadcast messages.
AIS offers a substantial step forward in the ability to send and receive
important target information from VTS centers to vessel traffic. For example,
two vessels equipped with AIS transponders navigating in close proximity to each other,
can see each other's position even if the geographical
terrain blocks their radar. In this case, the VTS centre can also send
a message to both vessels alerting them of the existence of the other
vessel and preventing a potential hazard.
Advanced Horizon Features
Horizon also has many higher level functions for more
sophisticated port operations. A Remote Guard Zone enables the VTS operator to send addressed, or
broadcast, binary information to selected targets. As an ARPA or AIS target
moves into a Remote Guard Zone, the VTS operator can send that particular target
a message reporting that they have entered a restricted zone. This is useful as
it allows the VTS operator to specify any area of interest and alarm about each
target.
Advanced AIS options include the ability to set Vessel
Report Assignment. This allows the Horizon operator to force
report rate assignments on mobile AIS transponders. There are times
when the shore-based authority requires a vessel to report at a rate
higher than its designated report rate.
Radar Overlay capability is the perfect accompaniment to
Horizon's ability to display and query AIS targets. Radar Overlay
requires a Radar expansion card for your computer. The radar
expansion card also includes an intermediary server that takes raw
radar data and converts it into an NMEA sentence. Horizon is able to
read this information and display the Radar image over an electronic
chart complete with AIS targets. As the mandatory requirement for
AIS takes effect worldwide, Radar Overlay is essential. If a vessel
has their AIS transponder turned off, Radar Overlay gives
authorities the ability to see the vessel and to then inquire about
the reasons the AIS transponder is not functioning.
Horizon Add-on Modules
Vessel Tracking Database Module
Using the Vessel Tracking Database, Horizon can log and time stamp AIS data
for easy querying and playback viewing. Data can be sorted based on select
data fields such as MMSI, call sign, vessel type and speed. Data logging and
playback has been used by ICAN customers for incident investigation and to
review port activity.
Enhanced Monitoring & Messaging Module
For additional functionality, Horizon’s Enhanced Monitoring and Messaging
Module offers sophisticated AIS communication functions such as
anti-grounding and anti-collision alarms, configuration of remote guard
zones around AIS targets, and time filtering to remove redundant AIS
messages. Operators can also adjust the rate of report assignments on mobile
AIS transponders and send/receive text and safety-related AIS messages to
vessels in the port.
Radar Overlay Module
Radar Overlay offers a real time radar image overlaid on your electronic
chart for use in demanding applications such as search and rescue, iceberg
detection, obstacle avoidance, and coastal surveillance. All ICAN modules
offer customizable functionality to meet your unique requirements. Contact
ICAN Sales for more information.
Horizon Vista
Basic Port Monitoring Solution
Horizon Vista is ICAN’s entry-level port monitoring product
that displays real-time AIS data and is ideal for port operators who simply
want to view AIS traffic on an electronic chart. Vessels equipped with AIS
transponders are displayed on the chart as AIS targets with relevant
information displayed in configurable information boxes. You can select an
AIS target from a list or from the chart to view the vessel’s details. You
can pan and zoom or toggle to a full screen view to quickly see the AIS
target information you are looking for.
Horizon Vista allows you connect to client network connections including
serial, TCP or UDP, so you have the ability to connect to AIS Networks
anywhere in the world!
Horizon Vista can also receive data and text messages over the AIS
network from vessels carrying AIS transponders. You can view vessel position
reports, static and voyage related data, and Aids to Navigation (AtoN) data.
AIS equipped AtoNs transmit information on the status of the buoy (low
battery level, light functioning, on position, etc.) directly to your
office.
Horizon Vista fits nicely into ICAN’s suite of port
monitoring products and can be easily upgraded to Horizon at a later date if
additional functionality is required. ICAN also protects your purchase; if
an upgrade is desired, the money invested in Horizon Vista is put toward the
purchase of Horizon. ICAN is committed to building successful relationships
through customer satisfaction.
