Flight Data Channels

Where the data comes from that LiveTraffic depends on

Live Flight Data Channels

L​iveTraffic creates aircraft in X-Plane‘s sky at current real life positions. Flight tracking data providers provide this positional information.

Without tracking data from internet providers, LiveTraffic cannot do anything. Collecting tracking data is big effort. Some providers build on flight enthusiast communities to help, others invest much money themselves. No matter what, running a server infrastructure costs actual money. Hence, conditions under which we can access their data, varies. Respect their conditions, help the data collection networks to survive!

LiveTraffic works out of the box with OpenSky and Open Glider Network as flight tracking data providers. Additional providers, called channels, are available, see the following table. LiveTraffic can work with several channels at the same time.

As of Nov-2023 OpenSky Network is unreliable or at times completely down and has not yet indicated when it will be back online in a reliable fashion. Hence, it is no longer enabled be default, but you can enable it manually. Be aware of data quality issues. adsb.fi is now available at no cost and enabled by default. See this forum post for background and updates.

These traffic data channels are available in LiveTraffic:

Name	Access	Check Coverage	Contribute	Terms	API
adsb.fi	free, anonymous (details)	adsb.fi map	Feed ADS-B		open data API
OpenSky Network	free, anonymous or registered, request limits apply (details)	OpenSky Explorer (currently unreliable, see note above)	Feed ADS-B data, A/C database, Sponsoring	Terms of use	REST
Open Glider Network	free, anonymous, unlimited (details)	Spot the gliders!	see OGN home page	Data usage rules	APRS, REST
ADSBHub	registered users feeding data (details)	Coverage	How to feed?	Terms of use	Stream
ADS-B Exchange	Free and paid subscriptions, request limits apply, API key needed (details)	Radar View	Feed ADS-B data, Donate	Legal and Privacy	REST
RealTraffic	paid subscription (details)	Local app's radar view, Traffic Status	n/a	on main page	See "Information for developers" on main page
Virtual Traffic:
FSCharter	registered users (details)	Flight Board	n/a	Legal documents	n/a

Support Traffic Data Providers

Please support the people providing the data LiveTraffic builds upon!

The infrastructure for world-wide coverage of ADS-B data costs a lot of money that public networks don't really have. They rely on your support. If we LiveTraffic users consume the data then we cause load on their infrastructure. In return we should give something. There are different ways you can help those communities:

Support them with ADS-B receivers to increase coverage. It really isn't all that difficult and would help the entire community:

• OpenSky - Improve Coverage with your own receiver or by funding one

• Open Glider Network - See their home page, section "The OGN is growing and evolving"

• ADSBHub - How to feed - You can use ADSBHub's data only if you feed to ADSBHub

• ADS-B Exchange - How to feed with your own receiver, scripts readily available

Typically, one receiver can feed into several networks in parallel.

Maintain data, especially data about aircraft and routes. This in turn has an immediate effect in LiveTraffic: If an aircraft is properly maintained then it is shown with correct model and livery. If you find a wrong one go to OpenSky Aircraft Database and add/correct the data (requires a login, which is completely free).

Donate money, ideally regularly, so that the communities have a calculation basis. OpenSky Sponsoring, ADS-B Exchange Donations.