Flight Data Channels
Where the data comes from that LiveTraffic depends on
Live Flight Data Channels
LiveTraffic 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 time completely down and has not yet indicated when it will be back online in a reliable fashion. That means there currently is no out-of-the-box option available that would cover essential parts of world-wide air traffic. See this forum post for background and updates. Another free option is ADS-B Exchange's Basic plan, but it requires you to set up an account and obtain an API key, see here.
| Name | Access | Check Coverage | Contribute | Terms | API |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
free, anonymous or registered, request limits apply (details) | OpenSky Explorer (currently down, see note above) | ||||
free, anonymous, unlimited (details) | see OGN home page | ||||
registered users feeding data (details) | |||||
Free and paid subscriptions, request limits apply, API key needed (details) | |||||
paid subscription plus local app, trial available (details) | Local app's radar view, Traffic Status | n/a | n/a | ||
Virtual Traffic: | |||||
registered users (details) | n/a | 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.
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