Abstract: Disclosed is a system 1000 for determining a virtual representation of at least part of an environment 800 that is navigable by a ship 700. The system has at least one beacon 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, 302, 401-403 remote from the ship. The or each beacon comprises at least one sensor 411-415 for sensing surroundings information representative of at least part of the environment, a transmitter 420, and a controller 430 connected to the at least one sensor and configured to cause the surroundings information to be transmitted via the transmitter. The system also comprises a control centre 500 remote from the ship. The control centre comprises a receiver 520 configured to receive the surroundings information, and a control unit 530 connected to the receiver and configured to determine a virtual representation of at least part of the environment based on the surroundings information. The virtual representation may comprise a topographical map, such as a LIDAR map.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system 1000 for determining a virtual representation of at least part of an environment 800 that is navigable by a ship 700. The system has at least one beacon 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, 302, 401-403 remote from the ship. The or each beacon comprises at least one sensor 411-415 for sensing surroundings information representative of at least part of the environment, a transmitter 420, and a controller 430 connected to the at least one sensor and configured to cause the surroundings information to be transmitted via the transmitter. The system also comprises a control centre 500 remote from the ship. The control centre comprises a receiver 520 configured to receive the surroundings information, and a control unit 530 connected to the receiver and configured to determine a virtual representation of at least part of the environment based on the surroundings information. The virtual representation may comprise a topographical map, such as a LIDAR map.