Demonstration abstract: OpenSky — A large-scale ADS-B sensor network for research

Abstract

The future of air traffic control (ATC) will heavily depend on the Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) protocol as a crucial component. ADS-B marks a paradigm change in airspace monitoring as global ATC is switching from an independent, radar-based approach to dependent, satellite-supported surveillance. With ADS-B, aircraft broadcast their own position and other information in short periodic messages to other aircraft and control stations on the ground. As the protocol is becoming mandatory in most airspaces over the next years, it is important that its characteristics and challenges are thoroughly investigated. The large-scale ADS-B data required to do this has not been openly accessible until now, as specialized and expensive infrastructure was needed. We demonstrate OpenSky, a sensor network based on low-cost hardware connected over the Internet, which enables real-world experimental studies. OpenSky works with off-the-shelf sensors run by volunteers distributed over Central Europe. Currently comprising 11 sensors, the sensor network covers an area of 720,000 km2. We capture more than 30% of Europe's commercial air traffic, offering access to billions of ADS-B messages.