Spatial topological analysis model of ship encounter space

This paper proposes a topological analysis model of ship encounter space using a geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis technology. Herein, the characteristics of the elements, organization, and structure of the ship encountered in the sea were studied to solve problems of ship collision risk analysis. In this model, it is necessary to construct the topological structure of the ship-encounter space based on the risk situation of the ship. The topological points and connection lines established in the encounter space were analyzed using the shape and geometric relationship of the ship's space topology, and the collision danger in the ship's navigation is, thus, analyzed. Moreover, information regarding the dangerous ship target and encounter characteristics were calculated and extracted. This study uses the model to conduct a simulation based on data from the collision between M/T Sanchi and M/V CF Crystal on January 06, 2018, and analyzes the collision risk characteristics during the two periods prior to the collision. Results show that the proposed model is effective and feasible for marine vessel safety analysis.