Nov 19, 2014 -- Flinders Ports – South Australia’s major port operator and one of the nation’s leading port services provider – has signed a landmark agreement with geospatial giant Esri Australia which will see it use smart maps to ensure safe movement of vessels through its ports and facilities.

The first project to be deployed under the agreement will be the creation of a map-based common operating picture.

The system will provide all personnel within the organisation with a single, consolidated view of multiple sensory inputs, including:  Automatic Identification System (AIS), hydro/meteorological data, radio, radar, CCTV, port management, and Electronic Nautical Charts (ENC).

Future projects are earmarked to expand the system to encompass both on and offshore business functions – including asset, property and emergency management, security, and bathymetry.

The approach will employ the same cutting-edge technology already in use at some of the world’s largest ports, including the Port of Rotterdam and Port of Long Beach.

The current project is due for completion by the end of 2015.