Comparative and critical analysis of data sources used for ship traffic spatial pattern analysis in Canada and across the global Arctic

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of three primary datasets commonly employed to evaluate shipping patterns in Arctic waters: 1) Northern Canada Vessel Traffic Zone (NORDREG), 2) satellite-based Automatic Identification System (S-AIS) from a private provider, and 3) the Arctic Ship Traffic Database (ASTD). Covering the years 2011 to 2022, the analysis assesses spatial and temporal metrics for each dataset while employing robust data cleaning techniques to address signal manipulation and detection gaps. Findings reveal that S-AIS and NORDREG excel in detecting vessel traffic in Canadian waters, including the Northwest Passage (NWP), while ASTD demonstrates strong performance in regions with dense terrestrial AIS coverage, such as Norway and Iceland. However, ASTD is less effective along critical shipping routes, including the NWP and the Northern Sea Route (NSR), where S-AIS provides broader coverage. Both datasets indicate an upward trend in AIS-based traffic throughout the Arctic. The results underscore the value of fusing S-AIS and ASTD datasets to provide a more complete and accurate understanding of Arctic shipping patterns. This research offers critical insights for policymakers and researchers selecting ship traffic data for regional and global Arctic analyses, maritime safety, and environmental decision-making.