Do you want to know which is the best ship tracker API for marine traffic analytics? If the answer is yes, keep reading to find out!
The shipping industry is one of the most important sectors of the global economy. This is due to the fact that it transports millions of tons of goods and services every year.
In addition, it also connects countries around the world and makes it possible for people to have access to a wide range of products and services. But, despite its importance, not everyone is familiar with the different types of ships that exist, or their routes.
If you’re wondering what a ship tracker API is, it’s a tool that allows you to track the location of any ship around the world. This can be done through various means, such as satellite images or AIS data. However, if you want to get accurate information about any ship, you should use an API for ship tracking.
Why Is This API Required For Developers To Use?
- The first benefit is real-time ship monitoring, which is very good for marine security and safety.
- You can obtain information about certain ships’ location, speed, and cargo among other things.
- Thirdly, you have access to details about harbors, such as their location and facilities.
- So if you’re looking for a way to improve your shipping operations or just want to know where your favorite vessel is at any given time you should use this API.
What Is An API?
An application programming interface (API) is a set of functions and procedures that enable two software applications to communicate with one another. This means that they can exchange data and request specific actions from each other.
Which Ship Tracker API Should I Use?
Now that you understand what an API is; let’s talk about which one is the best for marine traffic analytics. We’re talking about Vessel Traffic Information API. This one is a popular maritime API that provides its users with real-time data on ship locations, positions, routes; as well as other important information such as ship type, cargo type, and more.
How To Use This API To Get The Best Information About Ships
Vessel Traffic Information API works in a very simple way; so you won’t have any trouble understanding how it works and how to use it. First of all, create an account on Zyla Labs website by filling out a short form. Once you’re done you’ll receive an access key; which will allow you to make calls to this API.
The second step involves including your bearer token in the authorization header in order to authenticate your API key. After this, you can start making queries using Vessel Traffic Information API. All you need to do is enter the ship’s coordinates; or ship’s name; and make a call using this API.
You must first register on the Zyla Labs website and acquire an API key in order to use this API. You can call the Vessel Traffic Information API endpoint using this particular set of letters and numbers, and after that you can start sending queries.
Features
Explore the following five endpoints:
- GET VESSEL DATA BY SHIP ID.
- GET VESSELS BY GEO LOCATION.
- GET VESSEL DATA BY SHIP NAME
- GET VESSEL BY IMO CODE.
- GET CURRENT ROUTE BY IMO CODE.
For instance, the API result if you select “GET VESSELS DATA BY SHIP NAME” will be:
{
"ship_name": "CL DALIAN",
"total_vessel": 1,
"vessels": [
{
"COURSE": "95",
"DESTINATION": "ES ALG",
"DWT": "81700",
"ELAPSED": "550",
"FLAG": "HK",
"GT_SHIPTYPE": "6",
"HEADING": "95",
"LAT": 40.58742,
"LENGTH": "229",
"LON": -33.16847,
"L_FORE": "198",
"ROT": "0",
"SHIPNAME": "CL DALIAN",
"SHIPTYPE": "7",
"SHIP_ID": "726545",
"SPEED": "110",
"TYPE_NAME": "Cargo",
"WIDTH": "32",
"W_LEFT": "12"
}
]
}For anyone who need access to real-time vessel data, the Vessel Traffic Information API is a fantastic choice. You can start tracking ships right now because it’s cheap and simple to use.