A systematic review and meta-analysis on the development of aids to navigation

Aids to navigation (AtoNs) or navigational aids (NAVAIDs) play an integral part in ensuring navigational safety. AtoNs can be classified as a device, system, or service that improves the safety and efficiency of individual vessels and/or the navigation of vessel traffic. Although many studies have been published on AtoNs, navigational safety is critical for the transportation of people and goods. For inland waters, there appears to be a lack of assessments on AtoNs in lakes, rivers, and rural waterways. Therefore, this study applied the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement on major databases; such as Scopus and Web of Science; to examine the development of AtoNs. Our findings indicate that a significant number of studies focus primarily on marine AtoNs rather than AtoNs for inland waters because international regulations do not apply to inland waters. We also found that marine AtoN development is headed towards virtual and electronic AtoNs (eAtoNs) to replace the more traditional physical devices. As such, our review could enable authorities, industrial investors, and shipping companies better comprehend the future of AtoNs. This will help them ensure navigational safety not only at sea but in coastal and inland areas as well.