AegeaNET represents a sophisticated open sensor network that integrates Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) receivers, strategically deployed throughout the Aegean Sea. This network facilitates real-time tracking of maritime vessels and aircraft, thereby providing critical data essential for navigation and safety.

Through collaborative efforts with a diverse array of academic partners, AegeaNET has extended its operational coverage to encompass European Union waters. This expansion significantly enhances its capacity to monitor and analyze traffic patterns across a broader geographic region. The network is committed to actively sharing data with various research initiatives, thereby fostering innovation and supporting academic inquiry in the domains of maritime and aerial traffic management.

Data collected by AegeaNET is processed on-site utilizing the Smart Move Lab’s distributed computing cluster, which enables comprehensive analysis and research. Managed by the Smart Move Lab, AegeaNET serves as an indispensable tool for understanding and interpreting traffic patterns, ultimately contributing to enhanced operational efficiency in both maritime and aerial domains.

The data and expertise garnered through this network can be leveraged for numerous research initiatives related to Green and Smart Mobility, Digital Transformation of Transport, Maritime Security and Anomaly Detection, Integrated Transport Systems, Smart Ports and Logistics, Sustainable Blue Economy, among others.

Key Benefits of an Open Academic Sensor Network:

  1. Enhanced Research Collaboration: Facilitates partnerships among academic institutions, researchers, and industry stakeholders, promoting interdisciplinary studies and joint projects.
  2. Real-Time Data Access: Provides immediate access to real-time maritime and aerial traffic data, enabling timely analysis and informed decision-making.
  3. Improved Safety: Enhances safety by enabling researchers and authorities to monitor vessel and aircraft movements, thus reducing the risk of collisions and accidents.
  4. Traffic Pattern Analysis: Supports the examination of traffic patterns, assisting in the identification of trends, optimization of routes, and overall improvement of efficiency in maritime and air transportation.
  5. Educational Opportunities: Offers valuable resources for students and educators, fostering hands-on learning experiences in fields such as navigation, logistics, and data science.
  6. Innovation and Development: Encourages the creation of new technologies and methodologies for tracking and analyzing traffic, contributing to advancements in the field.
  7. Public Awareness and Policy Support: Increases public awareness regarding maritime and aerial traffic issues and provides policymakers with data-driven insights for improved regulations and management.
  8. Environmental Monitoring: Aids in the assessment of environmental impacts associated with maritime and aerial traffic, thereby contributing to sustainability efforts.
  9. Community Engagement: Promotes community involvement and interest in maritime and aviation studies, fostering a shared sense of responsibility for safety and environmental stewardship.
  10. Open Data Initiatives: Aligns with open data principles, ensuring that information is accessible to a wider audience, including researchers, policymakers, and the public, thereby enhancing transparency.

Research Areas Supported by an Open Academic Tracking Network:

  1. Maritime Traffic Analysis: Investigating vessel movement patterns, congestion points, and route optimization to enhance navigation efficiency.
  2. Aviation Traffic Management: Analyzing flight paths, air traffic congestion, and safety measures to improve airspace management.
  3. Environmental Impact Studies: Assessing the ecological effects of maritime and aerial traffic on marine and coastal ecosystems.
  4. Safety and Risk Assessment: Examining collision risks, identifying accident causes, and developing safety protocols for vessels and aircraft.
  5. Logistics and Supply Chain Optimization: Analyzing shipping routes and logistics operations to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce operational costs.
  6. Behavioral Studies: Exploring the decision-making processes of pilots and ship captains in response to real-time data.
  7. Policy Development: Supporting research on regulations and policies related to maritime and aviation safety, environmental protection, and traffic management.
  8. Data Science and Analytics: Developing algorithms and models for processing and analyzing large datasets derived from AIS and ADS-B systems.
  9. Socioeconomic Studies: Investigating the economic impacts of shipping and air traffic on local and regional economies.
  10. Autonomous Shipping and ship behavior 

These research areas collectively contribute to a deeper understanding of maritime and aerial systems, ultimately leading to enhanced safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.

Contact us to learn more and for research collaborations.