 |
What does the time stamp next to the Vessel Name mean ? |
| The time stamp is the last time the GPS unit on the Vessel successfully reported to main server in Kent, WA. An older time stamp, from the rest of the Vessels, just means that for some reason that unit is having trouble reporting to Kent. It does NOT mean that the Vessel is not moving. We show the date time so that you can confirm the accuracy of the information displayed on the map. | |
| Provided By: Internet Services | |
| FAQ Item Last Updated: May 4, 1999 | |
|
How does Vessel Watch Work ? |
| Each Vessel has a Global Positioning System (GPS) Transponder that relays its current position information via VHF radio modems to a central server in Kent, WA. We then place that information on one of our base GIS maps using a program we created with ESRI mapping products and export the map as an image for the web site. | |
| Provided By: Internet Services | |
| FAQ Item Last Updated: May 4, 1999 | |
|
Why does the information only update every 3 minutes ? |
| We use Interval Static Mapping (ISM) to produce the near-time map images. ISM is used based on cost benefit analysis for usability, money, and resources. Although it only takes a few seconds to produce a location map, it is a costly event as in it uses 100% of the CPU of the computer. To provide a real-time ( a map that the fully current image is produced each time you reload your browser) we would have to invest a considerable amount of money in hardware. By using ISM we can provide near-time information at a fraction of cost of a fully dynamic map. |
|
| Provided By: Internet Services | |
| FAQ Item Last Updated: May 4, 1999 | |
|
Why was Vessel Watch created ? |
| Vessel Watch is a "bonus" application from a much larger Fleet Management System that is being developed at the Washington State Ferries. The entire application will be able to estimate schedule deviations, "Queue Detection" (how long is the line at the dock) and more. Components of larger application start arriving this summer. With rider feedback we received we knew of this information we could provide, immediately, would help. We were able to produce Vessel Watch with existing technology (which always allows things to be cheaper) in about 40 hrs (just the map and web page part). |
|
| Provided By: Internet Services | |
| FAQ Item Last Updated: May 4, 1999 | |
|
Where can I ask a technical question on the map creation and webpage technology? |
| Tom Shea can be reached at wsfwebmaster@wsdot.wa.gov | |
| Provided By: Internet Services | |
| FAQ Item Last Updated: May 4, 1999 | |
|
What is the hardware behind the map? |
In order of appearance:
|
|
| Provided By: Internet Services | |
| FAQ Item Last Updated: May 4, 1999 | |
|
This is nice but what I really need is ... |
| We are providing ALL the information that we have available to this point. In the future we will be able to tie in wait times and whether a vessel is on-time. We will provide that information as soon as we have it available. | |
| Provided By: Internet Services | |
| FAQ Item Last Updated: May 4, 1999 | |
| Provided By: Internet Services | |
| FAQ Item Last Updated: May 4, 1999 |