- Base station
The core function of the DoRIS information system is to record and display vessels on an electronic navigational chart (ENC) containing the most important nautical information concerning the waterway and traffic regulations. AIS transponders are key elements of DoRIS. AIS stands for “Automatic Identification System” and enables to identify the current position of the vessels using global positioning systems (GPS). It is a system in which ships continually transmit their ID, position course, speed and other data to all other nearby ships and shoreside authorities on a common VHF radio channel. This data transmission is based on a standard specified for “Tracking and Tracing” by, the so-called Inland-AIS standard. This standard guarantees 100% compatibility with the maritime AIS system and has the capacity to expand its applications to meet the needs of inland waterway transport. AIS transponders have proven their worth in maritime waterway transport in supporting navigation and were made part of the mandatory equipment for vessels with more than 300 gross registered tons in 2002.
- Tactical Traffic Image
DoRIS processes static data entered by the vessel operator and updated periodically. These data contain information on the vessel or push convoy type, ship dimensions, maximum draught, dangerous cargo information, destination port and the estimated time of arrival. The dynamic data, on the other hand, are automatically transmitted via the AIS transponder and AIS radio channel and updated automatically every two seconds. A PC equipped with the corresponding ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) viewer software can be connected to the transponder for displaying the current traffic image and for entering vessel information. The traffic image can also be underlayed with the current radar image for navigational purposes (Radar Map Matching). The base stations along the river bank are also equipped with transponders to receive and transmit the data from the vessels. Stored in a central database the data are either available for authorized groups for their own purposes, or can be accessed as needed, for example for reconstructing accidents. (See system concept)
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