The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has developed a Marine Cadastral Tool that provides access to 16 years of detailed daily ship movement data. This tool includes a “passage count” map created from a year’s worth of ship route data, reflecting cumulative navigation patterns. The data is sourced from ground stations located along the U.S. coasts.
In 2023, an analysis of maritime traffic maps was conducted using geographic information system software, QGIS, to visualize the movement of ships over the year. The resulting maps present an abstract and energetic visual representation, resembling patterns created by firework displays or long-exposure photography of light trails.
When examining these maps closely, viewers may notice unusual geometric shapes, including perfect circles and grid lines. These shapes often indicate designated fishing areas, sites for scientific ocean floor mapping, or routes taken by vessels traveling to and from offshore oil platforms, particularly near the Louisiana Gulf Coast.
While this technology offers a comprehensive near-real-time tracking system for ship movements, it also raises concerns regarding the privacy of shipping operations and the confidentiality of cargo transport, as it makes it challenging to conceal the locations and activities of vessels at sea.