Optimization of surveillance vessel network planning in maritime command and control systems by fusing METOC & AIS vessel traffic information

This paper presents the recent developments of an Optimal Path Planning - Decision Support System (OPP-DSS). The designed framework is based on multi-objective optimization algorithms providing a set of Pareto efficient solutions representing a trade-off among mission objectives. Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) vessel traffic data are integrated and exploited inside the planning process to improve surveillance in piracy risk areas. Tests in an operational scenario with real-world data provide indication of the effectiveness of the approach

Artificial Neural Network-Based Clutter Reduction Systems for Ship Size Estimation in Maritime Radars

The existence of clutter in maritime radars deteriorates the estimation of some physical parameters of the objects detected over the sea surface. For that reason, maritime radars should incorporate efficient clutter reduction techniques. Due to the intrinsic nonlinear dynamic of sea clutter, nonlinear signal processing is needed, what can be achieved by artificial neural networks (ANNs). In this paper, an estimation of the ship size using an ANN-based clutter reduction system followed by a fixed threshold is proposed. High clutter reduction rates are achieved using 1-dimensional (horizontal or vertical) integration modes, although inaccurate ship width estimations are achieved. These estimations are improved using a 2-dimensional (rhombus) integration mode. The proposed system is compared with a CA-CFAR system, denoting a great performance improvement and a great robustness against changes in sea clutter conditions and ship parameters, independently of the direction of movement of the ocean waves and ships