# Sensing in Inland Waters to Promote Safe Navigation: A Case Study in the Aveiro's Lagoon
## 6 Conclusions  
With the rapid development of data monitoring sensors, the maritime industry has been able to generate information from different sources, such as vessel movements, every day. The accumulation of substantial amounts of maritime information is creating novel opportunities to stimulate innovation and facilitate increased operational efficiencies throughout the maritime domain. The shipping industry is recognizing the value of data as a means of enhancing decision-making processes, which assist in the anticipation, comprehension, and enhancement of business operations [100; 101].  
The significance of human life in maritime navigation cannot be overstated, particularly in coastal and inland waters where inadequate signaling and non-linear tidal variations can have a profound impact on vessel circulation and maritime tourism. While technological advancements continue to evolve, it is essential to focus on solutions that address the safety and needs of human life. The proposed low-cost data-sharing system represents a step towards this goal, providing a practical solution that enhances maritime security and operational efficiency.  
While technology continues to rapidly improve, it is important to note that creating new technological solutions for the sea or ocean alone is insufficient. It is essential to focus on the development of technologies that address the needs and safety of human life. Human life is the most vulnerable factor when it comes to maritime navigation in coastal and, especially, inland waters.  
Although the market already offers several technologies that can be used in the maritime context, an expensive investment is still required, and there is also a lack of tidal height information, specifically for inland waters were the progression of the tides in nonlinear. Hence, it is important to stress importance of understanding the key technologies available for accessing these data, and the gaps we need to fill. The new maritime data-sharing system presented in this study tackles these issues since it is a low-cost solution, which benefits from the users' real-time inputs and from a hydrodynamic model that simulates the tidal height for any given point or time within an inland water scenario. Moreover, by utilizing the NMEA data communication network, this system enables the collection and sharing of critical sensor data, aiding navigational decision-making and enhancing oceanic forecasting models.  
Furthermore, this study has demonstrated the feasibility of implementing a low-cost system that can significantly contribute to saving human lives. With the ongoing evolution of technology and the integration of AI and Big Data, these advancements can be further enhanced. By combining the insights from this study with theoretical frameworks and comparative studies (e.g., benchmarking), more effective solutions can be developed to improve maritime safety and efficiency in multiple navigational contexts.  
This study has highlighted significant advancements in the development, testing, and modeling of maritime information sensing. The focus areas include large-scale maritime navigation multi-sensor tracking, integration and monitoring meteorological and ocean data fusion, analysis and visualization, forecasting, planning, and decision-making with maritime Big Data.  
Hence, this study underscores the importance of combining technological advancements with thorough market research and user engagement. By integrating Big Data and IoT with low-cost meteorological and ocean data sharing systems, the maritime industry can develop more effective solutions to improve safety and efficiency across various navigational contexts. The continued evolution of these technologies holds great potential for saving human lives and enhancing the overall maritime experience.