AirNav RadarBox Feature of the Week: Data Sources

The image above: RadarBox Coverage Map

Flight data is aggregated from 14 different sources, to ensure tracking continuity, accuracy, and redundancy. These sources include data from ANSP's, Satellite based ADS-B data, national & transnational data feeds such as EUROCONTROL & FAA SWIM and AirNav's own global terrestrial network of over 27,000 ADS-B receivers. Learn more about AirNav’s data sources here.

Our data sources include:

• 1 - ADS-B (Satellite-based)
• 2- ADS-B (Ground-based)
• 3 - FAA SWIM
• 4 - Eurocontrol
• 5 - MLAT
• 6 - ADS-C
• 7 - HFDL
• 8 - CPDLC
• 9 - FLIFO
• 10 - ASDE-X
• 11 - FLARM
• 12 - Australia ANSP
• 13 - Oceanic
• 14 - Merged

1. ADS-B (Ground-Based)

The image above: RadarBox ADS-B Coverage Map

As the name suggests, ground-based ADS-B data is aggregated via our network of 24,000 ADS-B receivers in 173 countries around the world. The data gathered by these ground ADS-B receivers includes aircraft speed, position, registration information, and other data. These ADS-B receivers generally operate at 1090 MHz / 978 MHz (978 UAT).  This data is then processed by AirNav RadarBox servers and is then published for viewing on the RadarBox website.

2. ADS-B (Satellite-Based)

The image above: RadarBox's Satellite-Based ADS-B Coverage Map

Satellite-Based ADS-B data is collected from the aircraft transponder by satellites orbiting low-Earth orbit equipped with ADS-B receivers. This data is then sent to AirNav Radarbox's servers for processing. One of the strengths of satellite-based ADS-B is the capacity to provide global coverage of your fleet 24/7 and with a low latency supplying accurate and reliable data.

3. FAA SWIM

The image above: FAA SWIM Coverage Map

The Federal Aviation Administration System Wide Information Management (FAA SWIM) data comes directly from the FAA’s domestic radar systems and contains data on virtually all aircraft flying in US airspace. This data source includes real-time position data, flight plans, departures, arrivals, routes, waypoints.

4. EUROCONTROL 

The image above: EUROCONTROL Airspace Map - Image source: Aviation.stackexchange.com

EUROCONTROL, or European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation, provides data such as flight position, registration, and other data, in addition, allows for access to flight plans and other operational information of aircraft and airports operating in the EUROCONTROL region.

5. MLAT

The image above: MLAT Coverage Map

Multilateration or MLAT is a surveillance technique based on the measurement of the difference in distance to four stations at known locations by broadcast signals at known times. This data source allows for tracking of aircraft that are not equipped with ADS-B transponders.

6. ADS-C 

The image above: ADS-C Coverage Map

The ADS-C data comes directly from an aircraft transmitting its position at fixed intervals, typically between 5 and 30 minutes. Data is exchanged between the ground system and the aircraft via a data link, specifying under what conditions ADS-C reports would be initiated and what data would be contained in the reports.

7. HFDL & CPDLC

The image above: HFDL & CPDLC Coverage Map

HFDL position reports are received from a High-Frequency Data Link system. Air traffic controllers can communicate with pilots via a datalink. Aircraft and ground stations make use of high-frequency radio signals to communicate.

8. CPDLC (Controller Pilot Data Link Communications)

CPDLC is a two-way data-link system that controllers can transmit non-urgent strategic messages to an aircraft as an alternative to voice communications. 

9. FLIFO 

The image above: Flight departure and arrival information on RadarBox.com

FLIFO or flight information is provided by several external sources, such as airports and airlines. This commercial data includes the departure time, arrival time, origin airport, destination airport, among other data.

10. ASDE-X

The image above: ASDE-X displayed on the RadarBox map view

ASDE-X data is received from a surface movement radar located in the airport’s ATC Tower, which contains multilateration (MLAT) sensors, ADS-B sensors, terminal radars, the terminal automation system, and aircraft transponders information. It is provided by the FAA (US Federal Aviation Administration).

11. FLARM 

FLARM, an acronym based on 'flight alarm,' is a traffic awareness and collision avoidance technology for General Aviation, light aircraft, and UAVs. Real-time FLARM position data is currently only provided upon request.

12. Australian ANSP data

The image above: Australian ANSP Coverage Map

Australia's ANSP data brings information such as positions, flight plans, and other operational information to aircraft operators and airports in Australia.

13. Oceanic 

The image above: Oceanic Coverage Map

Oceanic data relates to oceanic position data from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) that is reported for all major transoceanic routes (Atlantic and Pacific oceans).

14. Merged 

The image above: RadarBox Coverage Map

Our customers can choose to receive a merged feed, which contains data from all our available sources, organized and prioritized for relevance and accuracy.

Why do customers love our Flight Data Solutions?

Customizability means that all solutions are tailored to the client's specific requirements. Our seamless integration into existing client applications and platforms through the offering of ADS-B, FAA SWIM, Oceanic, MLAT, Satellite ADS-C, HFDL, ADS-C, Satellite ADS-B to ensure complete and accurate data means we can offer a lot at relative ease.

“What differentiates AirNav Radarbox from its competition is what we call AirNav's 3 F's. Flexibility in dealing with each of our customers' requirements. Building Feature-rich and Future-ready products, while focusing on customer satisfaction.” - Andre Brandao, CEO of AirNav Systems.

Through our offering of multiple data formats such as JSON, XML, CSV, KML, ESRI, and others, we also offer more volume of data for less, which is what makes us stand out from the rest. 

Finally, we have 24/7 around-the-clock customer support to help you with any issues you have as well as picking the right package for you. 

So don't delay, why don't you look more into what we can offer you here at AirNav RadarBox? To get in touch with us, click here to find out today!