How to Feed Flight Data to a Tracker

To feed flight data, you run a small program on your receiver that sends the aircraft messages it hears to one or more tracking networks. One receiver can feed several networks at once.

What feeding means

Your receiver decodes aircraft messages. A feeder program forwards them over the internet to a network, which combines them with data from other receivers to build the live map. Networks usually give you a status page for your receiver.

Choosing a network

Several networks accept feeds, including the OpenSky Network, which supplies the live data on this site, and others such as community-run aggregators and commercial trackers. Each has its own terms, benefits and software. Some offer perks for contributors, such as higher data access.

Steps

1. Get your receiver working; see how to build an ADS-B receiver.
2. Create a free account on the network you want to support.
3. Install the network’s feeder software following its instructions.
4. Check that your receiver shows online on the network’s website.
5. Repeat for other networks if you like.

Good practice

• Set your receiver’s location accurately, as some networks use it for position calculations.
• Keep your device updated and the antenna clean and secure.
• Read each network’s terms; some restrict commercial use of data.

Why it matters

More receivers mean better coverage, especially at low altitude. See our feeder guide for where help is most needed in Pakistan.

General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.