GPS / GNSS
Satellite navigation helps the vessel calculate position and time.
From satellite navigation to the sea
Ship tracking & maritime AIS
Learn how vessels determine position, broadcast AIS reports, and appear on public tracking services. Start with Port Canaveral or explore the technology behind the map.
Maritime learning guides
Understand what a ship tracker is showing.
Maritime tracking
How Ship Tracking Works
Learn how AIS, GPS/GNSS, VHF broadcasts, shore receivers, and satellite relays contribute to modern vessel tracking.
Read guideMaritime technology
AIS vs GPS: What Is the Difference?
Compare AIS and GPS and understand why one determines vessel position while the other can broadcast maritime tracking information.
Read guideTracker questions
Why Does a Ship Disappear From a Tracker?
Understand common reasons vessel positions stop updating on public ship trackers, including AIS coverage, offshore distance, equipment, and provider limits.
Read guideAIS
AIS broadcasts vessel information over VHF to suitable ships and shore receivers.
Public tracker
A tracking service collects permitted data, processes it, and decides what to display.