Two-dimensional coordinate estimation for missing automatic identification system (AIS) signals based on the discrete Kalman filter algorithm and universal transverse mercator (UTM) projection

Due to safety reasons, the movement of a ship in coastal areas should be monitored, tracked, recorded, and stored. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a suitable tool to use in performing these functions. The probability limit for the AIS dynamic data availability can be limited by the lack of a Global Position System (GPS) signal, heading (HDG), and rate of turn (ROT) data in the position report. The unavailability of a data link is an additional limitation. To fill this gap, it is possible to attach the discrete Kalman filter (KF) for the position and course estimation. Coordinate estimation in the absence of a transmission link can improve the quality of the AIS service at Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) stations. This paper has presented the Kalman filtering algorithm to improve the possibilities for ship motion tracking and monitoring in the TSS (Traffic Separation Scheme) and fairways area. More than 570 iterations were calculated and the results have been presented in figures to familiarize the reader with the operating principle of the Kalman filter algorithm.