Flight traffic mapping

The mapping of flights [1] in real-time is based on a sophisticated air traffic control system that was developed for North America.

The air traffic control system is a complex combination of electronics and people that helps guide planes from departure to destination.

In 1991, data on the location of aircraft was made available by the Federal Aviation Administration to the airline industry.

Multiple companies distribute ASDI information including FlightStats, FlightAware, FlightExplorer, FlightView, and FlyteComm.

The program can overlay air traffic with a wide selection of maps such as, geo-political boundaries, air traffic control center boundaries, high altitude jet routes, satellite cloud and radar imagery.

All inbound and outbound traffic for Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) airport on a weekday at 12:52 PM CDT from Animated Atlas: Flight Traffic over North America Example animations on YouTube