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AIS Vessel Tracking

Bristol Maps can display AIS (Automatic Identification System) vessel positions on the navigation page, giving you real-time awareness of nearby vessel traffic.

What is AIS?

AIS is a maritime tracking system used on ships and by vessel traffic services. AIS transponders broadcast vessel information including:

  • Position (latitude/longitude)
  • Speed and heading
  • Vessel name and MMSI number
  • Vessel type and dimensions

Bristol Maps receives AIS data and displays it as targets on your map.

Enabling AIS

AIS vessel targets can be enabled from the navigation settings. When enabled, nearby vessels broadcasting AIS will appear on the map as labeled icons showing their name, speed, and heading.

AIS Filter

The AIS filter allows you to control which vessels are displayed:

  1. Open the AIS filter from the navigation settings
  2. Add specific MMSI numbers to an allowed list
  3. Only vessels matching your filter will be displayed

This helps reduce clutter on the map by showing only the vessels you care about, such as your fleet members or specific tenders.

AIS Filter Page

AIS filter settings

Tip

If you have an MMSI number for a specific vessel you want to track, add it to your filter list to see only that vessel's position.

AIS via NMEA

If you have an AIS receiver connected via NMEA, Bristol Maps can display AIS targets from your local hardware in addition to cloud-based AIS data.

The AIS Sharing toggle in NMEA Settings allows you to share AIS data received from your local hardware with your fleet group.

AIS Target Display

AIS targets appear on the map with:

  • Vessel name label
  • Speed indicator
  • Heading direction
  • Position updated in real-time

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