AIS
n. uncountablen. Stands for Automatic Identification System. A tracking system used by ships and traffic controllers to see where boats are and where they are going.
n. Abbreviation for Automatic Identification System. An automated tracking system that uses transponders on ships to provide identity, position, course, and speed data to other vessels and coastal authorities.
The captain checked the AIS to see if any ships were nearby.
Port authorities use AIS data to manage the flow of traffic and prevent collisions in the busy harbour.
While radar remains essential for detecting physical obstacles, AIS provides critical digital metadata that allows navigators to identify specific vessels and communicate with them directly via radio.
Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'AIS data' or 'AIS transponder'.