title: "Flightradar24: The Ultimate Tool for Real-Time Flight Tracking and Global Air Traffic Status"
date: "2023-02-28"
categories:
- "tech"
tags: - "ads-b"
- "flightradar24"
- "frequent flyer"
- "aviation"
Flightradar24 is an application developed by the Swedish company Flightradar24 AB that provides real-time flight information and global flight tracking services. Flightradar24 gathers data from various sources, including ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) receivers, airlines, and airport control towers, among others. This data is integrated into a global network, offering users accurate and real-time flight information and route tracking services.
History#
In 2006, the founder of Flightradar24, Svenska Resenätverket AB, began researching ADS-B technology and its potential application in real-time flight tracking services. ADS-B is an aviation communication device that automatically broadcasts an aircraft's position, speed, altitude, heading, and other information. Due to the widespread use of this technology, the founders of Flightradar24 believed that global real-time flight tracking services could be achieved through ADS-B technology, leading to the development of Flightradar24.
Thanks to the efforts of its founders, Flightradar24's technology and services have gradually grown and developed. Today, Flightradar24 has become one of the largest flight tracking platforms globally, with millions of downloads and millions of active users. Additionally, Flightradar24's technology and services are utilized by airlines, air traffic management organizations, and other professional institutions, making significant contributions to the operation and safety of the aviation industry.
Data Sources#
Flightradar24 tracks flights by receiving ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) signals from aircraft, which provide information about their positions and flight details. ADS-B is a surveillance system that autonomously broadcasts an aircraft's position, altitude, speed, heading, and other relevant information to ground stations and other aircraft. Flightradar24 uses its own ADS-B receivers to capture and process ADS-B signals, transmitting the data to Flightradar24 servers for user access.
In addition to receiving ADS-B signals, Flightradar24 obtains flight information and route planning from flight plans, air traffic control systems, and other data sources. This information is integrated into Flightradar24's database, allowing users to access real-time and historical flight information and route planning.
Features#
Flightradar24 offers several key features, including:
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Real-time flight tracking: Flightradar24 provides real-time flight tracking services, displaying flight numbers, aircraft models, routes, departure and arrival times, speeds, altitudes, and more. Users can view flight information through maps or lists and filter and search as needed.
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Flight history: Flightradar24 offers historical flight information, including flight paths, altitudes, and routes. Users can review flight history to understand flight patterns and historical trajectories.
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Flight delay and cancellation information: Flightradar24 provides flight delay and cancellation information, allowing users to adjust their travel plans promptly and search for alternative flights and routes.
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Flight predictions: Flightradar24 uses historical and real-time data to predict flight arrival and departure times, providing real-time updates on flight statuses.
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Global air traffic status: In addition to flight tracking services, Flightradar24 offers information on global air traffic, including congestion levels, flight altitudes, routes, and more. Users can stay informed about global air traffic conditions and trends.
Key Features#
Flightradar24's key features include:
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Real-time updates: Flightradar24 provides real-time flight information and route tracking services, allowing users to stay updated on flight dynamics anytime, anywhere.
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Global coverage: Flightradar24 covers flight information and route tracking services globally, including commercial flights, private aircraft, military planes, and more.
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Multiple views: Flightradar24 offers various views, including map view, 3D view, satellite view, and more, allowing users to choose their preferred viewing mode.
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Multi-platform support: Flightradar24 is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and web, enabling users to access the Flightradar24 application on different devices.
In the following article, the author will explain how to set up your own ADS-B base station and share it with the Flightradar24 network to gain free access to their Business subscription.