Month: October 2021

A guide to data buoys and sensors

Safety and accurate navigation is essential for maritime vessels, whether they’re passenger or cargo ships, or naval vessels. The marine industry has always been an early adopter of new technologies and innovations. New ways of gathering and making sense of data in order to improve safety, navigation, and performance, such as the use of automatic data sensors housed in buoys, is an important development that we expect to see becoming even more sophisticated in the future. Marine industries make use of data buoys and sensors as a means of monitoring conditions and then sharing the information with vessels. This blog post looks in more detail at data buoys and sensors.

 

What are data buoys and sensors?

 

Data buoys are floating buoys that are equipped with delicate sensors used to monitor a variety of atmospheric and sea conditions. Highly sensitive sensors are housed within the buoy itself to ensure it is protected at sea.

 

Data buoys have a variety of different applications that promote safety and navigation. Weather buoys are one common example. They monitor changing weather conditions at sea, much like a land-based weather station. The conditions that a weather buoy monitors include air temperature, wind direction and speed, and rainfall levels. All of these conditions have an impact on the course of a vessel. Data buoys warn crews of danger and help them to be responsive to changing conditions.

 

Data buoys can also measure sea levels, and are capable of detecting changes of only 1mm. They can also detect the temperature and salt levels both at the surface of the sea and below the surface. More widely, data sensors refer to any type of device that responds to external input from the physical environment and then transmits that data.

 

The purpose of data buoys and sensors

 

Data buoys and sensors can be used to obtain a vast range of valuable information. Meteorological sensors are instrumental to ships being able to navigate safely. They also help to predict upcoming weather patterns; drifting data buoys, in particular, can be used for predicting hurricane or cyclone activity that could have severe implications for the safety of ships and their personnel.

 

The data gathered from data buoys can be also be used for other purposes. Wind and current information from data buoys has recently been used to locate missing ships, leading to significant improvements in safety and the effectiveness of search and rescue operations. Information about the sea surface temperature is also valuable for the fishing industry and can help with locating specific types of fish. This can then be used to control and assist fishing activity.

 

The future for data buoys and sensors

 

We can expect data sensors to become more sophisticated and more prolific as technology continues to develop. Ongoing advancements to data and cyber security mean that transmitting data will become safer, faster, and performance and accuracy will be enhanced. This might lead to an increased reliance on data from sensors. Moving into the future, we can expect to see data buoys and sensors used for a wider range of purposes and being an even more significant element in how the maritime industry launch and navigate sea vessels.

What are the benefits of a Digital NOTAM Tower system?

Why are NOTAMs so important?

A NOTAM (notice to airmen) is a notice which is filed with the relevant aviation authority to let pilots know about any hazards which might occur along a flight route or at a location that could put the safety of the flight at risk. These NOTAMs are distributed across networks so pilots, airport controllers and operational personnel can access the latest information relating to a particular flight route.

Issues with traditional analogue NOTAM systems

The number of NOTAMs has increased dramatically over the past few years, as international travel has become far more commonplace, with more flight routes in play than ever before. There are now almost a million international NOTAM messages a year, which is triple what it was ten years ago. As the volume of data has increased, several problems with the traditional analogue NOTAM reporting systems used have become more apparent, meaning an innovative digital approach was necessary. Current NOTAM reports only use upper case which is an ADTN character set limitation and can make the reports hard to read. They also have a free text nature, which makes the automatic processing of the reports unreliable. It is vital that pilots and air traffic controllers have access to all the relevant NOTAM messages, so changing to a digital system is the only way to effectively accomplish this.

The benefits of a digital NOTAM system

By introducing a digital NOTAM tower system, aviation authorities can reduce the potential misunderstandings that can be caused by complex or unclear NOTAM reports. By changing the NOTAM format into a clear digital system, aviation authorities will be able to easily track NOTAM data, as well as organise, filter and manage the electronic data. For airport management professionals, a digital NOTAM system is essential for accessing up to date and accurate information about any given flight route.

Creating digital NOTAM systems for the future

As machine learning and automation become even more essential to the aviation industry, the outdated analogue NOTAM system has shown just how important it is to innovate and embrace digital systems. By creating clear data templates and efficient ways to write and share NOTAMs digitally, airports can prepare for the future, where no doubt even more aviation data will be necessary to process.

Transitioning to a digital system

As airports across the world introduce more and more technologies into their day to day operations, flight information has become easier to access, process and communicate. We are experts in aeronautics and we have helped airports across the region to embrace and integrate new technology to speed up and improve current operations. By using software systems such as a digital NOTAM system, airports can make sure pilots, air traffic controllers and airport operation staff can access clear, concise and accurate information when they need it.

Get in touch

At Bayanat Engineering Qatar, we have the tools, technology and expertise to make sure air travel and airport operations are as efficient and safe as possible. To find out more about our airport and air traffic management services, get in with touch our experienced team today.

The maritime sector has long been one that relies upon age-old traditions and customs, but in 2021, marine industries are becoming more and more reliant on new technology. Tracking and communication technologies are essential for managing cargo shipments, while other technological innovations new to the field are streamlining shipments and boosting safety onboard.

 

Let’s take a look at some of the most transformative marine solutions that are being adopted by various marine sectors including shipping, leisure, and naval vessels. The potential for these technologies to transform these industries is huge, with almost limitless potential to increase efficiency in the future.

 

Smart shipping

 

Shipping is a global business that relies on complex logistics and supply chains. Cargo management software can let shippers manage inventory, delivery dates, and shipment destinations from one platform.

 

Smart shipping, which refers to unmanned ships that are inbuilt with autonomous technology, is the latest trend, with almost 10% of new builds being smart ships. Modern smart ships will use cutting-edge technology to monitor weather and environmental conditions and carry out advanced decision-making to improve efficiency, compliance, and safety.

 

Faster, better communication

 

Ships and maritime vessels have been using technology to communicate with other vessels and land teams for decades. Today’s ships use very-high frequency (VHF) radio waves, satellites, and WiFi to communicate increasing volumes of data at an ever-growing speed.

 

The introduction of 5G and new generations of satellites is going to further improve communication between ships, as well as between stakeholders and vessels. Live video and audio monitoring can now be used to keep track of the status of ships remotely, while radio-frequency identification (RFID) can be used to support asset management throughout the life of a vessel.

 

Accurate, reliable sensors

 

Sensor technology has come a long way in the last decade. Today, a single sensor can monitor a variety of parameters, including location and environmental data. Real-time monitoring and data analysis can not only be used to improve efficiency in commercial shipping but can also be used to improve operational effectiveness and extend the average lifespan of a shipping vessel.

 

In addition to monitoring onboard sensors remotely from land, new satellite navigation systems are able to pinpoint the precise location of vessels anywhere in the world using GPS or other tracking methods. With this increased accuracy comes increased reliability: if an error does occur with these new sensors, it’s much easier for ship operators to determine where they should go next.

 

What’s coming next?

 

Marine technology is advancing every year. We can expect to see continued advancement in digital monitoring, satellite navigation, and data analysis which will increase the reliability of ship operators across the globe, boosting both profitability and value of marine services. It’s important for marine officers and shipping managers to keep up with the latest technology to ensure they remain competitive in a changing market.

 

How we can help

 

At Bayanat Engineering, we deliver tailored marine solutions using cutting-edge IT and technology to improve efficiency, safety, and quality of air and marine transportation systems. We can design and supply sensors, communication systems, and tracking systems to marine vessels for use in naval, commercial, leisure, and energy sectors. To find out more about how we can help bring your fleet up to speed, contact us today.

The Need for People Counting at Airports

Airports see thousands of people coming and going every day, and this passenger traffic can cause chaos for staff. To combat this, some airports have started to implement People Counting Systems, which use real-time data to enhance the efficiency of the services so passengers can spend less time in queues and more time at ease. Here are just a few core benefits afforded by People Counting Systems and how they help airports reduce congestion.

 

They help you prepare for the peak

 

With a People Counting System, you will be able to track certain peak times for popular and regular flights, meaning you will prepare better for a sudden influx of people. This is especially helpful during the holiday season, where the foot traffic might be nothing short of constant. You can reorganise queues or even open additional gates and counters as required.

 

This will make sure that a greater amount of people does not have to add up to a significantly larger level of congestion. Being able to focus your efforts on peak times is a much more efficient solution than leaving the gates and counters open at all times or on the fly. Knowing when and where to have your staff on call helps save you money too.

 

They help stay COVID compliant

 

The coronavirus pandemic has mostly subsided, but it is by no means a thing of the past – travel regulations of all kinds are still present in virtually every country, for example. Airports must help reduce the anxiety surrounding travel, and people counting is a good way forward for this. These systems can monitor congestion in a way that emphasises social distancing and even enforce it to a degree.

 

In addition, congestion and foot traffic might be more uncomfortable than ever for many people – even those with two vaccinations and a negative test result will likely want to keep their distance. Airports have a certain capacity in mind, and they can struggle to maintain this when you add social distancing. For this reason, people counting might be the best way to accommodate the new density of people.

 

They boost your duty-free shops

 

Queues are not just a problem at the terminals. Plenty of people reconsider shopping at an airport based on the queues. If people leave an airport shop because of the long line, then not only does that hurt their airport experience, it also means the shops and the airport at large lose money.

 

People Counting Systems can work the same way here as they do during a busy check-in. This gives you space to work with the venues and understand their needs at certain times, as well as helping them to combat their congestion. These systems revolve around maximising value and keeping on top of your opportunities, and the duty-free shop is as central to the airport as any other part of the experience.

 

At Bayanat Engineering, we provide specialized solutions that can benefit everyone at your airport – from you to your staff and the passengers.

Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies have revolutionised how we run the world. From smartphones to large marine vessels, GPS is used in a wide range of technologies and represents an impressively accurate tool for navigating different spaces.

 

To help you understand how GPS operates in some of the world’s most fundamental industries, therefore, we’ve put together a quick guide to its benefits.

 

Marine applications

 

GPS helps mariners navigate vessels, locate ports, and measure ship speed. It is vital that ship’s officers know the precise location of the vessels they are navigating in open seas, waterways, harbours, and ports, as this helps to prevent accidents and boost the efficiency of their journeys.

 

Other benefits include:

 

• Navigators can save time and fuel with help from real-time information about their speed, position, and course.
• GPS enhances the efficiency of container management across port facilities.
• Mariners can use GPS data for locating navigational hazards, mapping routes, and underwater surveillance.
• GPS enhances the security of vessels using the Automatic Identification System (AIS).

 

Aviation applications

 

GPS has long been used to ensure the safety of commercial and private flights across the world. Thanks to its accuracy and global capabilities, GPS delivers three-dimensional position information for all flight phases, including take-off, arrival, and airport navigation. Indeed, recent updates to GPS technologies mean that airport approaches have become much safer in recent years, even in remote locations where traditional location services are unavailable.

 

Here are a few other ways that GPS systems are benefiting airports:

 

• They help navigators produce more efficient air routes, thereby saving time, fuel, and money.
• GPS systems represent an essential component in aviation safety tools such as the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS). Such tools help to reduce the risk of aircraft accidents.
• Aviation GPS is freely available to all.
• Thanks to its situational awareness capabilities, GPS systems improve the safety of surface movement operations.
• GPS can help pilots land planes when visibility is low.

 

Military applications

 

There are a variety of ways in which GPS aids military operations, including aiding rescue operations, providing tracking data, and guiding bombs and missiles. To give you a better idea of the benefits of the technology, here are a few key applications used by military personnel:

 

• Navigation: Soldiers are often required to navigate unfamiliar territories. GPS technologies can alert them to the presence of enemy-held regions and identify lines of control.
• Tracking: GPS technology can help military personnel track potential targets before they are identified as hostile entities.
• Rescue operations: GPS helps military forces improve the efficiency of rescue operations by reducing response times and locating casualties more quickly.
• More accurate mapping capabilities: GPS improves the mapping capabilities of senior military personnel, thereby helping them identify grid control locations.
• Facility management: Most military forces manage large bases that extend across large areas of land. With GPS, commanding officers can more efficiently prepare base maps or update existing maps with information about core facilities.
• Missile guidance: Most modern weapon systems employ GPS data to hit targets accurately and from a distance.

Sustainable solutions for airports in 2021

 

As airports return to normal and passengers around the world take to the skies again, there is growing pressure for Aeronautics and Aerospace companies to switch to a more sustainable model. With global emissions rising and air travel accountable for 2% of global CO2 emissions, more and more people are looking for sustainable solutions when it comes to air travel. From rainwater harvesting stations to using recycled materials in airport expansions, some of the worlds’ best airports are responding to this new challenge with innovation and creativity.

 

Switching to sustainable power

 

Perhaps the biggest concern for the aviation industry is the fuel they use, from the power supply for Information Display Systems to the fuel used by aircraft. Innovations in aviation technology have led to a wealth of more sustainable and less harmful fuel solutions, with a push towards renewable energy in airports. More and more airports are using biofuels and alternative energy sources to power their operations, like Denver International airport which has the largest solar power farm at a commercial airport in the US with four on-airport solar arrays and the Galapagos Ecological Airport which was designed in 2012 to run completely on solar and wind power.

 

Reducing waste in airports

 

Improving efficiency by reducing waste is both good for the balance sheet and for the planet. From the materials used in the construction of airport expansions to wasted water, more and more airports are looking for ways to reduce their waste. Advanced environmental management systems can also be a game-changer, with an in-depth and thorough approach to reducing waste across the entire airport. Initiatives to encourage passengers to divert waste from landfills can also be effective, such as water bottle refilling stations to reduce plastic consumption and recycling facilities throughout the airport. Technologies such as low-flow bathroom fixtures to save water can make a big impact, considering the huge scale of international airports and the number of people who use them. More and more airports are using recycled and reclaimed materials in their construction and expansions, which reduces emissions and diverts materials from landfills.

 

Innovative new technology

 

There has been a wave of new, innovative technologies designed to help the aviation industry reduce its carbon impact. Using technologies such as environmentally friendly asphalt for airport runways can make a big difference, with far lower heating temperatures required and far less energy needed. Rainwater harvesting stations are another innovative system that is being utilised in airports across the world. Biofuel-powered heating systems are another innovative and effective new technology, like the one used in Stockholm Arlanda Airport in Sweden which achieved carbon neutrality in 2009. Switching to more energy-efficient fixtures and fittings can be another powerful way to reduce waste, such as choosing low-power LED lighting or installing underground energy piles to heat and cool terminals, like Zurich Airport which has reduced its carbon emissions by 30% since 1991.

 

 

Why is marine and navy vessel tracking important?

Naval and marine vessels are used for a wide variety of purposes across the globe, including trade, fishing, research, and military use. These vessels can be tracked using different vessel tracking systems, depending on the needs of the individual.

 

Accurate vessel tracking systems are an important feature across all marine and naval industries, both to ensure the safety of the vessel and all of its crew, as well as providing essential data that can be used to streamline and improve vessel management and scheduling.

 

What kinds of vessel tracking systems are commonly used today?

 

Vessels have various options when it comes to vessel tracking, from satellite-based GPS technology that can monitor vessels in real-time to AIS transmitter data which is monitored by ground stations or read remotely via satellite.

 

Most contemporary tracking systems utilize GPS, or Global Positioning System, technology. GPS technology was originally developed by the United States Department of Defense but is now widespread across the world, with smartphones and cars using it to navigate cities and the routes between them.

 

Naval vessels are no different, also using satellite-driven GPS technology to accurately pinpoint a vessel’s location in the water, as well as offering information to aid navigation and wayfinding.

 

AIS, or Automatic Identification System, is a common form of vessel tracking technology that utilizes GPS. AIS technology transmits information about a vessel’s identity, speed, and location to other vessels in the vicinity. The United States Coast Guard operates AIS technology across their nation’s waterways as a safety measure for ships at sea. AIS transmitters can be read by ground stations or monitored remotely by satellite for security purposes when necessary.

 

Ship Loc is another form of vessel tracking system that utilizes GPS with extra functions, such as warning people on the land about marine traffic near them so they are aware of the risk posed by passing vessels. Ship Loc can also give readings of data pertaining to a ship’s location including air pressure in the oceanic area, wave pressure, and other relevant details.

 

Why is accurate vessel tracking important?

 

Many naval and marine vessels rely on vessel tracking systems for safety and navigation. Accurate vessel tracking not only means that a vessel and its crew can be quickly located and rescued should something go wrong, but it also makes it easier to navigate safe passage, especially in adverse weather conditions.

 

Challenges to vessel tracking include limitations on distance and satellite transmission problems, both of which can hinder the reliability and accuracy of vessel tracking in situations where it is most needed. The key to improving connectivity and encouraging the adoption of vessel tracking technology across all marine and navy sectors is in overcoming these limitations: a challenge that contemporary tracking technology is no doubt ready for.

 

 

At Bayanat Engineering, we deliver high-tech IT solutions for aerospace and marine industries, including vessel tracking and navigation systems to aid safe travel across the world. To find out more about our services and expertise, contact us today.

Weather is an important element to consider when planning the routes and schedules for air traffic. This is because different types of weather can impact air traffic in a number of ways, including the speed of flight and visibility. Precipitation and fog are two of the most common weather concerns within the aviation industry due to the ways in which they disrupt normal flight proceedings.

 

This is where the process of cloud seeding comes in. But what exactly is cloud seeding and why is it so important within the aviation industry? Read on to find out more.

 

What is cloud seeding?

 

Cloud seeding is the incredibly technical process of modifying the microphysical characteristics of clouds in order to change either the type of precipitation or the amount of precipitation. Cloud seeding is done by artificially dispersing a substance into the cloud, such as condensation nuclei. This addition of condensation nuclei forms the basis upon which additional raindrops or snowflakes can form, leading to a change in the weather.

 

What are the benefits of cloud seeding?

 

When it comes to aeronautics, cloud seeding is a useful and essential process. There are many benefits of cloud seeding, including the following:

 

• Cloud seeding can reduce the amount of fog by turning the fog into rain, therefore improving the visibility of those piloting aircraft.

 

• Cloud seeding can improve the safety of airborne crafts by decreasing the number of hailstone particles present in the air, again by changing the particles into raindrops.

 

• Cloud seeding allows for the more predictable regulation of the weather, leading to more consistent and reliable flight plans for current and future aircrafts.

 

How is cloud seeding carried out?

 

As mentioned previously, cloud seeding is the process of modifying the structure of a cloud by adding particles to alter the chemical balance of the cloud in order to increase or decrease precipitation.

 

The process of physically adding these particles to the clouds is typically achieved in one of the two following ways:

 

1. By using large cannons to shoot the particles into the sky

 

This first method of cloud seeding is a ground-based technique that utilises cannons in order to shoot the particles into the sky. Cannon-based cloud seeding is particularly effective at altering lower altitude clouds, but it is still effective at modifying those higher up too.

 

2. By using airplanes to drop the particles into the clouds from above

 

The second method of cloud seeding is an airborne technique that involves airplanes dropping the affecting particles into clouds from above. Airborne cloud seeding can alter clouds at any altitude, depending on the height of the aircraft.

 

 

Overall, cloud seeding is an efficient form of weather management that allows aeronautical experts to alter the weather conditions in order to benefit air traffic. The reasons for cloud seeding are plenty and include improving visibility and navigational abilities of pilots, decreasing the risk of hailstone damage and regulating weather conditions in order to plan flight routes more adeptly.

The aerospace industry is always evolving and adapting to consumer habits and driving innovation through new developments. Major aircraft manufacturers are already looking ahead to plan for the next shift in the industry, from pushing the boundaries of technology to overhauling entire fleets of aircraft.

 

All of this innovation within the industry has encouraged a lot of growth and expansion, which is only good news for aviation and the aerospace sector. To determine how this industry is going to look moving forward, it’s important to identify trends within aerospace. This article is going to look at some key trends to watch in the aerospace industry, from tech innovations to overhauling older aircraft fleets.

 

The push for technological innovation

 

Efficiency is a major talking point in the aerospace industry looking forward, with streamlined interior cabin developments and advanced avionics being used to make for more efficient flights. Other innovations, such as noise-reduction of aircraft, appear to be on the horizon for much of the industry. All of these integrations will make for a safer, more comfortable experience in the skies for passengers.

 

New-age materials such as composites and advanced manufacturing developments will also be shaping trends in the near future for aerospace. This, along with the implementation of new electrical systems, could re-shape how aircraft are designed and manufactured, which could alter the current supply chain dramatically.

 

Improvements in repairs and fleet overhauls

 

Looking towards the next generation of aircraft, it is apparent that improvements have been made across the board, from materials and components to the systems and electronics used. These changes will no doubt create new opportunities for the industry, but there will also be challenges for the maintenance, repair and overhaul sector to contend with. Switching from mainly aluminium frames to composite materials is a legitimate concern that has yet to be addressed.

 

Although composite material has been used in the past, the scale of its use is going to increase dramatically. By their design, metallic aircraft crumple and bend if there is ever a collision, but composite materials don’t. Although this might seem like a positive, it is actually more difficult to assess the damage on a composite aircraft than a metallic one. The visual inspection of dents is possible with aluminium because it bends, but you need to use ultrasonic scanning to detect damage in composite materials. What this means is that the repair sector will need to adapt and invest in new equipment and training.

 

Embracing digital

 

The maintenance sector is set to undergo a number of changes as a result of the push for digitisation. As the technology found on aircraft becomes more complex, technicians and maintenance workers will need to become more adept at troubleshooting and diagnostics work.

 

Thankfully, digitisation can also lend this sector a helping hand in a number of innovative ways. Embracing virtual reality training can help technicians step into a digital aircraft and learn how to repair and replace components virtually. Other inherent benefits of switching to digital include ditching paper instruction booklets for cloud-based ones. This makes it easier to access information while working and cuts back on paper consumption.