Exploring Neo4j Spatial: Path Intersections Using AIS Data

In the third installment of a series exploring the Neo4j Spatial plugin, the article delves into analyzing Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, which tracks vessel locations, using Neo4j's graph database capabilities. It demonstrates the process of creating an AIS data layer, loading and organizing the data, and establishing relationships between observations to recreate vessel journeys. By converting these paths into LINESTRING geometries, the process allows for more complex geospatial analyses, such as detecting intersections with defined areas like exclusion zones. The article concludes by noting the limitations of the current Neo4j Spatial plugin for more advanced analyses, suggesting that further capabilities could be achieved by developing a custom plugin.