Virtual Aids to Navigation

alvarosanuy commented 3 years ago

Currently managed in S-57 using drawing instructions encoded in the attribute SYMINS of NEWOBJ. S-101 portrayal (SVG files) can be created by replicating the drawing instructions for each V-AIS type but the following question has been raised a few times and needs formal discussions:

Should V-AIS be available during navigation (route monitoring) or only for route planning? Note that V-AIS are non-physical objects and they are broadcasted and presented, when in range, on the ECDIS screen. Having the V-AIS encoded in the ENC may cause confusion and clutter. Also, some of these V_AIS are relocated on a daily basis due to changing conditions (a higher update rate than ENC updates).
Should S-98 be amended to separate physical from Virtual AtoN using different viewing groups (currently both in 27240)?

DavidGrant-NIWC commented 3 years ago

In my opinion this is analogous to the RADAR return from an AtoN. There is value in seeing both the charted and real-time (virtual for V-AIS) locations, and the mariner should be able to easily distinguish one from the other. The mariner should be able to toggle the display of each independently.

JeffWootton commented 3 years ago

I believe that the answer to the question on whether V-AIS should be available for viewing in both Route Planning and Route Monitoring mode or just in Route Planning in ECDIS needs to be addressed concurrently with any symbolgy that is proposed/developed. To be viewable in both navigation modes, any S-101 Portrayal included in the Portrayal Catalogue should compliment the V-AIS symbols genereated in the ECDIS when the vessel comes within range of the AIS signal. This may be as simple as having the magenta offset "V-AIS" text with a small magenta cross at the position as a generic symbol for all virtual AIS AtoNs from which the mariner can interrogate via ECDIS Pick Report during route planning. If the intention is to have the symbols only viewable in Route Planning mode, then the symbols can be as complex and purpose specific as may be required. Having said this, however, an additional factor that needs to be taken into account is use of ENC datasets in platforms other than ECDIS (ECS, PPUs) that may not have the capacity to receive and portray the AIS signals. This was a factor that was taken into consideration when developing the NEWOBJ implementation for V-AIS in S-57/S-52.

SylviaSpohn-BSH commented 3 years ago

We agree to David to visualize both. This is our mariner's recommendation, too. The text as Jeff proposes it's a good solution to distinguish between both.

KlasOstergren-SMA commented 3 years ago

Agree that both phisical and virtual should be visualized. In Issue#23 Antonio raised the need for symbolization of synthetic AIS and I understand that need. Since physical and syntetic AIS works in different ways it could be important for the mariner to identify which type are used. I there are a physical transmitter on the AtoN, the AIS message will contain the real position of the AtoN eaven if it's off station but if it's a syntetic AIS, the base station will transmitt the original position even if the AtoN is off station. Synthetic AIS is used in some cases in Sweden during ice season to make it possible to identify with radar if important AtoN's in narrow channels is off station. To make it possible to differentiate the symbology for physical and syntetic AIS, it's maybe needed to add an attribute to separate phisical and syntetic AIS.

GuttormTomren commented 3 years ago

In my opinion this is analogous to the RADAR return from an AtoN. There is value in seeing both the charted and real-time (virtual for V-AIS) locations, and the mariner should be able to easily distinguish one from the other. The mariner should be able to toggle the display of each independently.

This is not entirely similar, as the radar target is from the actual position of a buoy, and the charted position is almost never in the same position, due to current/wind etc.

GuttormTomren commented 3 years ago

Agree that both phisical and virtual should be visualized. In Issue#23 Antonio raised the need for symbolization of synthetic AIS and I understand that need. Since physical and syntetic AIS works in different ways it could be important for the mariner to identify which type are used. I there are a physical transmitter on the AtoN, the AIS message will contain the real position of the AtoN eaven if it's off station but if it's a syntetic AIS, the base station will transmitt the original position even if the AtoN is off station. Synthetic AIS is used in some cases in Sweden during ice season to make it possible to identify with radar if important AtoN's in narrow channels is off station. To make it possible to differentiate the symbology for physical and syntetic AIS, it's maybe needed to add an attribute to separate phisical and syntetic AIS.

For synthetic AIS AtoN IEC62320 states that the repeat indicator can be used for indicating that the signal is transmitted remotely from the AtoN.

MikusRL commented 3 years ago

Like the Klas usecase for two distinct symbols for Real and Synthetic, Synthetic basically is the Virtual, only the real buoy symbol would and should "clash in", so could be almost similar symbols. Then empty reasonable size circle for Synthetic, circle and full inside for Virtual, both legend V-AIS, and light cross with legend AIS for real one, Tricky could be to differentiate on screen if this is now really reporting AIS or encoded in the ENC data. That then could be light grey or dashed versus when really transmitted is portrayed on top, then overlaid symbol could be magenta. To ad to the uncertainty and discussion, because the Real AIS is on the structure, it could be encoded as complex attribute on the structure itself like lights, topmarks or reflectors. Where Virtual and Synthetic then could be encoded as object in itself (as it is in reality) with one of attributes being Virtual or Synthetic selection. That way it would be clear already from the encoding what it is and how to portray and how to use it from the user perspective. Sorry if any of this is something that is already either hardcoded or decided earlier, but as Jeff writes, if a proposal is described, it must be considered as a complex for it to work.

alvarosanuy commented 2 years ago

Decisions and Actions at 01DEC2021 (post 2nd meeting in November 2021):

GuttormTomren commented 2 years ago

copy of emails between Antonio and Guttorm:

Hi Antonio

To my understanding, currently IALA and IEC have a common understanding of how AIS AtoN should be presented on an navigational display (IEC62288). The major principle is that a physical and synthetic have the same symbol (solid diamond), the virtual have an dotted diamond. Secondly the physical and synthetic is used where there is an physical AtoN at site/location, you may actually hit something…. (a steel buoy, a beacon etc) For the virtual, there is no object at site/location.

The difference with the physical and synthetic is that the AtoN itself is identical, but the transmitter is remote located in the synthetic version.

These principles are now used in the newly revised IALA documents regarding virtual AIS AtoN, and the document for physical AIS AtoN (sent for approval in December 2021). This is also in line with currect IEC62288 and also the new revision of IEC62288 (planned approved 2022).

IALA fear the risk of adding an third symbol to the AIS AtoN setup, and fear this will add further confusion with the mariners. Above mentioned IALA documents clearly sets out a strategy for when to use, how to use the various types of AIS AtoNs. This will lead to further standardization world-wide, which will improve the probability for the mariners on correctly understanding the use of AIS AtoN. Surveys made by Canada in 2016 on world-wide use of AIS AtoN showed an inconsistent naming and numbering of AIS AtoNs. IALA’s goal is to standardize this further.

If you have any further issues with how we should best display AIS AtoN, please do not hesitate to contact me, or if you have questions to my comments above.

I would also like to mention that IALA now have made a guideline for the use of mobile AtoNs, originally from a requirement to mark drifting wreckage. But the use-cases have also included other areas. Mobile AtoN will have to be adopted into IEC62288 in the new version, before you can have an symbol on your ECDIS/radar. Planned release is with the new version in 2022.

Attached is a group of documents relating to AIS AtoN from IALA, the revised A-126 is now sent for IALA Council approval in December 2021. (not attached at GITHUB, if needed I can upload).

GuttormTomren commented 2 years ago

Dear Tomren,

Thank you very much for sharing IALA’s documents on the subject and for the exhaustive explanation of IALA’s rationale. I now understand better the idea behind keeping two symbols rather than three on radars and ECDIS real time overlays.

However, for S-101 ENC portrayal, would it be reasonable to show “AIS ATON”, rather than V-AIS? (see picture below). At the planning stage, the mariner would then be able to work out whether it is physical, synthetic or virtual through a pick report on the object. This label could be a generic basis for the specific (physical or virtual) overlays received in real time during the voyage.

Please keep me posted with further IALA development in this area.

Best regards Antonio Di Lieto Port Study Captain – Senior Instructor

GuttormTomren commented 2 years ago

Hi Antonio

These symbols are IHO material, ENC symbols. To my understanding current practice is to map a virtual AIS AtoN (a permanent use) with the corresponding symbol (west cardinal here) and text: V-AIS. For a physical AIS AtoN the text is: AIS

This is for route planning, when out of AIS range. Within AIS range, the symbol (dotted diamond) will appear at the virtual AIS AtoN. For the physical AIS AtoN a solid diamond will be on top of the symbol.

Hope this was helpful, Alvaro can add comment if needed relating to IHO standard/practices.

All the best Guttorm

GuttormTomren commented 2 years ago

Hi Antonio

These symbols are IHO material, ENC symbols. To my understanding current practice is to map a virtual AIS AtoN (a permanent use) with the corresponding symbol (west cardinal here) and text: V-AIS. For a physical AIS AtoN the text is: AIS

This is for route planning, when out of AIS range. Within AIS range, the symbol (dotted diamond) will appear at the virtual AIS AtoN. For the physical AIS AtoN a solid diamond will be on top of the symbol.

Hope this was helpful, Alvaro can add comment if needed relating to IHO standard/practices.

All the best Guttorm

GuttormTomren commented 2 years ago

Hi Alvaro, my proposal is move forward with two types of symbol for AIS AtoN, this will be according to IEC62288 (currently under revision). One symbol for physical/synthetic AIS AtoN; solid diamond. Then a dotted diamod for virtual AIS AtoN, as described in comment above (copy of email to Antonio).

I leave it to the group to approve or edit.

Best regards Guttorm

GuttormTomren commented 2 years ago

Hi Alvaro

I have made a few comments on GitHub, hope it is understandable.

The group have make a final decision.

Best regards Guttorm

Fra: Alvaro Sanchez @.> Sendt: torsdag 2. desember 2021 03:09 Til: S-101-Portrayal-subWG/Working-Documents @.> Kopi: Tomren, Guttorm @.>; Comment @.> Emne: Re: [S-101-Portrayal-subWG/Working-Documents] Virtual Aids to Navigation (#37)

Decisions and Actions at 01DEC2021 (post 2nd meeting in November 2021):

[image]https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/70189016/144344420-417601a7-a9f6-4f92-be9f-238f7e25bea9.png

— You are receiving this because you commented. Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHubhttps://github.com/S-101-Portrayal-subWG/Working-Documents/issues/37#issuecomment-984226565, or unsubscribehttps://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AWJI5MDP3Q6Z42P5TR64WLTUO3IMTANCNFSM5EVFMGJA. Triage notifications on the go with GitHub Mobile for iOShttps://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1477376905?ct=notification-email&mt=8&pt=524675 or Androidhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.github.android&referrer=utm_campaign%3Dnotification-email%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgithub.

alvarosanuy commented 2 years ago

OFFICIAL Hi Guttorm,

Thanks for updating Github with the email trail between you and Antonio. We’ll pick this topic up early next year and try to get consensus on how to move this issue forward.

Regards,

Alvaro

Alvaro Sanchez| Acting Director National Charting Australian Hydrographic Office | Maritime Geospatial Branch 8 Station Street, Wollongong T: +61 2 4223 6506 | M: +61 434 349 674

Defence Intelligence Group | Department of Defence [AGO Logo2]

IMPORTANT: This email remains the property of the Department of Defence. Unauthorised communication and dealing with the information in the email may be a serious criminal offence. If you have received this email in error, you are requested to contact the sender and delete the email immediately.

From: GuttormTomren @.> Sent: Friday, 3 December 2021 6:15 PM To: S-101-Portrayal-subWG/Working-Documents @.> Cc: Sanchez, Alvaro MR @.>; Author @.> Subject: Re: [S-101-Portrayal-subWG/Working-Documents] Virtual Aids to Navigation (#37)

EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click any links or open any attachments unless you trust the sender and know the content is safe. Hi Alvaro

I have made a few comments on GitHub, hope it is understandable.

The group have make a final decision.

Best regards Guttorm

Fra: Alvaro Sanchez @.<mailto:@.>> Sendt: torsdag 2. desember 2021 03:09 Til: S-101-Portrayal-subWG/Working-Documents @.<mailto:@.>> Kopi: Tomren, Guttorm @.<mailto:@.>>; Comment @.<mailto:@.>> Emne: Re: [S-101-Portrayal-subWG/Working-Documents] Virtual Aids to Navigation (#37)

Decisions and Actions at 01DEC2021 (post 2nd meeting in November 2021):

[image]https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/70189016/144344420-417601a7-a9f6-4f92-be9f-238f7e25bea9.png

— You are receiving this because you commented. Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHubhttps://github.com/S-101-Portrayal-subWG/Working-Documents/issues/37#issuecomment-984226565, or unsubscribehttps://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AWJI5MDP3Q6Z42P5TR64WLTUO3IMTANCNFSM5EVFMGJA. Triage notifications on the go with GitHub Mobile for iOShttps://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1477376905?ct=notification-email&mt=8&pt=524675 or Androidhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.github.android&referrer=utm_campaign%3Dnotification-email%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgithub.

— You are receiving this because you authored the thread. Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHubhttps://github.com/S-101-Portrayal-subWG/Working-Documents/issues/37#issuecomment-985272146, or unsubscribehttps://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AQXP7WAUMQFIA6QBPSY7CN3UPBVAZANCNFSM5EVFMGJA. Triage notifications on the go with GitHub Mobile for iOShttps://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1477376905?ct=notification-email&mt=8&pt=524675 or Androidhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.github.android&referrer=utm_campaign%3Dnotification-email%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgithub.

alvarosanuy commented 2 years ago

It seems that the discussion point is around PhysicalAISAidsToNavigation, and not VirtualAISAidsToNavigation.

Particularly around the need, or not, to differentiate between Real and Synthetic signals.

I have prepared a table where I try to consolidate, in one page, the current (S-52) AIS depiction & a proposal for the display of both, Physical (Real & Synthetic) and Virtual aids to navigation in S-101. I also included the current paper chart (S-4) symbology for information only.

From previous comments, it seems that the feature PhysicalAISAidsToNavigation could be discontinued and the information included as a complex attribute in all possible Structure features. The complex attribute "Automatic Identification System (AIS)' could have a Boolean sub-attribute of 'Synthetic'. Depending on the value it would trigger the Real or the Synthetic portrayal (see table below). If approved, this proposal would need to be passed to the DCEG subWG for final discussions and implementation

GuttormTomren commented 2 years ago

This proposes to have a letter V to indicate that this is a virtual AIS AtoN. IALA support this, and proposes that also synthetic AIS AtoN follow the same pattern, shown below. The main reason for doing so is that mariners now are accustomed to charts with the letters; V-AIS. Then similar principles should be used for synthetic.

IALA propose to have it streamlined like; AIS S-AIS V-AIS

The AIS target symbols should use existing symbols, solid (physical and synthetic) and dotted (virtual). Pick report will then separate physical and synthetic. Font and symbol to be aligned with Github #70. This proposes to have a letter V to indicate that this is a virtual AIS AtoN. IALA support this, and proposes that also synthetic AIS AtoN follow the same pattern, shown below. The main reason for doing so is that mariners now are accustomed to charts with the letters; V-AIS. Then similar principles should be used for synthetic.

IALA propose to have it streamlined like; AIS S-AIS V-AIS

The AIS target symbols should use existing symbols, solid (physical and synthetic) and dotted (virtual). Pick report will then separate physical and synthetic. Font and symbol to be aligned with Github #70.

Right column, combined view shows some of the challenges with adding target information on top of ENC data. This is a simulated view, but in real life: row number one (AIS) will have AIS target and radar target off-set slightly, due to fact this is floating (moving) buoy. The second row will have a off-set radar target, but the AIS target will overlap with the ENC data. For the third row there will be no radar target and AIS target and ENC data will overlap.

AntonioDiLieto commented 2 years ago

Dear Guttorm and Alavaro, from a users' perspective, I would support IALA proposal to have also synthetic AIS AtoN follow the same pattern as V-AIS (S-AIS). I would also support the idea that AIS target symbols should use existing symbols, solid (physical and synthetic) and dotted (virtual). Finally I would also support the option to have a combined view. It is true that it can create clutter, however:

if the Radar display of an Integrated Navigation System becomes too cluttered, the user can always turn off the ENC underlay.
if the ECDIS display of an Integrated Navigation System becomes too cluttered, the user can always turn off the diplay of AIS ATON targets.

MikusRL commented 2 years ago

I will create a new version of this symbol S-AIS in https://github.com/S-101-Portrayal-subWG/Working-Documents/issues/70#

alvarosanuy commented 2 years ago

Decision made at Portrayal subWG meeting on 12/7/22

Implement using Virtual AIS symbols generated by Holger and included in https://github.com/S-101-Portrayal-subWG/Working-Documents/issues/59
Holger to develop an additional V-AIS symbol (circle with grey infill) that will display with a small magenta question mark (bottom right) to link possible instances of VirtualAidsToNavigation having virtualAidsToNavigationType=Unknown. SVG, CSS and Engineering Drawing files to be uploaded to https://github.com/S-101-Portrayal-subWG/Working-Documents/issues/59

S-101-Portrayal-subWG / Working-Documents

Virtual Aids to Navigation #37