What is ADS-B? A Pilot’s Guide to Flight Tracking

If you’ve ever wondered how apps like Flightradar24 can track planes across the world in real time, the answer is ADS-B — Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a frequent traveler, or just curious about the tech behind flight tracking, understanding ADS-B gives you a peek into how aircraft “talk” to the skies.

How ADS-B Works

ADS-B is a technology that allows an aircraft to broadcast its location, altitude, speed, and other flight data to nearby ground stations and other aircraft. It’s “automatic” because the plane sends this information without pilot input, and “dependent” because it relies on the aircraft’s onboard GPS to determine its position.

This information is then received by ADS-B ground stations and flight tracking services, allowing apps and websites to display live flight paths anywhere in the world. For hobbyists and professionals alike, ADS-B is the backbone of modern flight tracking.

Why ADS-B Matters

• Safety: Air traffic controllers can see aircraft positions more accurately, improving situational awareness and collision avoidance.
• Hobbyist tracking: Plane-spotters and aviation enthusiasts can follow flights in real time.
• Flight data for tech and apps: ADS-B data powers flight-tracking apps, live maps, and even weather research.

ADS-B and Your Flight Memories

At Stories Mapped, we take ADS-B one step further. Using the same flight data that powers tracking apps, we can create personalised flight maps from your own journeys. That means every climb, turn, and descent of your flight is captured exactly as it happened — turning your travel memories into custom wall art.

Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a regular commute that holds special meaning, ADS-B data lets us plot your route with precision, creating a map that’s unique to your journey.

Explore the Skies, Digitally and Personally

Understanding ADS-B gives you insight into the invisible web of data connecting aircraft to the world below. And if you want to turn that tech into something tangible, a custom flight map from your journey is a beautiful way to celebrate your travels.

Start creating your own personalised map today and see your flight story take shape.