Ice-Vu: an integrated data communications and image analysis system

An important and integral part of safe and efficient navigation in ice covered waters is the timely reception onboard the vessel of high quality remotely sensed (satellite or airborne) ice information. This information is in the form of satellite images (visual and microwave) or data products (ice and weather charts, forecasts, messages etc.) produced at the Canadian Ice Service Forecasting Centre located in Ottawa, Canada. One of the major difficulties facing the marine user is the reception of these data products (generally large data files) on the vessels, which normally operate in remote areas outside of the range of traditional communications links. Ice-Vu is an integrated data communications, data analysis and management system running on a personnel computer. Ice-Vu allows the user to control data communications to/from the vessel using high speed 56 kbps or low speed 9600 bps INMARSAT A service, cellular phone or via landline. The Ice-Vu system allows the user, after data reception, to analyze and print high quality image data products, traditional charts, forecasts, messages etc. Ice-Vu also receives high volume data from the downlink of radar imagery directly from a reconnaissance aircraft at T1 speed