The release of the AIS vessel presence dataset now allows Global Fishing Watch API users to:
- Access global vessel presence data derived from automatic identification system (AIS) transmissions.
- Explore vessel activity from 2012 to 96 hours ago using standardized hourly positions.
- Apply filters by flag, vessel type and speed range to refine their analysis.
About AIS vessel presence
AIS vessel presence captures where and when vessels are located, using one AIS position per vessel per hour. It offers a broad overview of global maritime activity across multiple vessel types. This data is identical to the vessel presence information found in the Global Fishing Watch Map’s activity layer. It is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure data consistency across all our products.
Dataset ID: public-global-presence:latest
Key features:
- Coverage: Global AIS-equipped vessels of all types
- Unit: Hours (vessel presence)
Use cases for AIS vessel presence data
- Maritime traffic analysis
- Fleet management
- Supply chain visibility
- Environmental impact assessment
Technical access
Access AIS vessel presence data through the 4Wings API using:
- Visualization: Generate PNG or MVT tiles for interactive maps
- Reports: Download comprehensive data in CSV, JSON or TIFF format
- Analysis: Use statistical endpoints and cell-level interaction data
- Filtering: Apply temporal, spatial and vessel characteristic filters
Refer to the 4Wings API documentation for examples and supported query parameters
Important notes
- AIS Vessel Presence shows vessel presence patterns and movement corridors, but does not provide individual vessel positions. For detailed vessel tracks, check our Map, and for specific vessel behavior analysis, use our Vessels API or Events API.
- What’s next: our gfwr and Python package will be updated in the following months.
Getting started
The AIS Vessel Presence dataset is immediately available through the 4Wings API. View comprehensive documentation, examples, and filtering options in our API documentation and Postman collection.
Find our supporting information on the Global Fishing Watch website. Share feedback through our public Canny board. Email [email protected] for technical support.
