First Look: Ship Finder HD for iPad

We had a rather in-depth discussion about Ship Finder HD over in the TUAW back channel this morning, trying to decide whether or not to feature it in our First Look series. In the end, we determined that the cool functionality outweighed the iffy design and that it was just really a neat thing to be able to track ships around the world in real time.

And that's exactly what Ship Finder HD does. It uses AIS coverage from across the globe to position ships on maps. Lee Armstrong of pinkfroot, a small iPhone OS development house, was kind enough to share this video showing Ship Finder HD in action. He writes. "[T]he new iPad's form factor enables the app to be much more functional for just the casual user and the professional mariner."

Obviously, the application would benefit from the touch of a graphic designer, especially for the ship icons. The popover views could use a makeover as well. But leaving the pretty-factor to the side, this functionality is compelling and will provide a better fit to a larger interaction screen. The iPhone version of Ship Finder retails for $4.99 on iTunes. No word yet on the price or date of availability of the iPad "HD" version.

Interested in an plane-locator version? A second video follows after the Read More...

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Source: http://pinkfroot.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=…

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We had a rather in-depth discussion about Ship Finder HD over in the TUAW back channel this morning, trying to decide whether or not to...

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baltic-skipper

What about the apple guidelines for usability, this app far away from everything...

Reliable data is the most important thing for such an app, but shipfinder is just collecting existing sources on the web. Real time views are not possible this way, so sitting in the port and inspecting the traffic is still just a wish.

Regarding design and reliability of shipping information there are other alternatives in the appstore like "ship Tracking" or the best but expensive choice "Fleetmon :mobile". Fleetmon is an extension of the website digital-seas.com with access to a large database and a good vessel images archive.

May 16 2010 at 11:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Redstripe

As a charterer/shipper of dry bulk vessels, I have to say that data is very inconsistent. AIS data is unfortunately not shared between ports. It is required to tap into AIS communications in ports all around the world to get consistent data, . I was only able to track 5% of all the vessels I currently have on the water, which means they likely do not subscribe to most of the feeds. Cool interface though. I would really like to see them obtain more consistent data in additional to a bookmarked vessel quick finder

April 27 2010 at 12:55 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Jonathan

Somalian pirate? There's an aaaarp for that!

March 30 2010 at 1:12 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Rego

What ships and what plains is it tracking and where.

I noticed some of the ships seem to be on land. Are they in drydock?

Do they have an English version?

They better make them a lot more appealing if they expect people to buy either app for the ipad.

March 30 2010 at 12:22 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to Rego's comment

mrtotes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Identification_System

As the article states, it just uses an AIS feed to track ships (all vessels >300tonnes are obliged to operate an AIS system). If a vessel incorrectly reports its own position the this will be incorrect on the feed.

AIS feeds are certainly used in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin and and I'm sure they are used by Somali pirates. However given that the current advice is for merchant vessels to use the IRTC (internationally recognized transit channel) in the GoA and avoid the Somali Basin entirely I doubt the pirates actually manifest much benefit from it.

Back on topic - it's clear to see how much more detail can be shown on the iPad's screen. I'm sure there are going to be some really impressive apps soon.

March 30 2010 at 9:25 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

KenAllen

It uses APRS. aprs.fi also does the same.

March 29 2010 at 5:54 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Rot\'nApple

Somalia just ordered 1000 iPads... and 100 Gallons of Rum... 'YoHo ye heartees yur home!' Aaaarrgh! (lol)

March 29 2010 at 5:13 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Chris

Good if you are a pirate.....

March 29 2010 at 5:11 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

zoldcitrom

It's intresting