About
Open Glider Network (OGN) is an open-source, community-built platform designed to provide real-time tracking of gliders, paragliders, drones, and other small aircraft. The network aggregates position data from a wide range of tracking devices including FLARM, OGN Trackers, ADS-L, SafeSky, PilotAware, SPOT, Garmin InReach, Skymaster, FANET, and Spidertracks, presenting it through a unified infrastructure. At its core, OGN consists of a network of ground-based receivers installed at airfields, gliding clubs, mountain summits, and private homes by community volunteers. These receivers listen for radio beacons from nearby aircraft and forward position reports to APRS Linux-based servers. The software stack supports installation on standard PCs and mini-board computers like Raspberry Pi, using a USB DVB-T radio receiver. The platform supports a broad ecosystem of live map viewers, flight logbooks, competition trackers, and thermal maps. Developers can access the open data stream to build their own applications. OGN also maintains a device database where pilots can register their aircraft to control its visibility (anonymous or identified) in the system. Key use cases include real-time glider tracking, search and rescue (SAR) operations, automatic flight log generation, competition tracking, and airspace safety monitoring. OGN is entirely community-funded and volunteer-operated, making it a uniquely accessible and transparent solution for the light aviation community.
Key Features
- Multi-Device Tracking Integration: Aggregates position data from FLARM, OGN Trackers, ADS-L, SafeSky, PilotAware, Garmin InReach, SPOT, Spidertracks, and FANET into a single unified stream.
- Community Ground Receiver Network: A distributed network of volunteer-operated receivers at airfields, gliding clubs, and private homes that listen for and forward aircraft radio beacons.
- Open Data API: All tracking data is freely available via APRS servers, allowing developers to build custom maps, logbooks, SAR tools, and competition trackers.
- Device Database & Pilot Registration: Pilots can register their aircraft or drone in the OGN device database to control how their device appears in the network (anonymous or recognized).
- Raspberry Pi & Linux Compatible Software: Lightweight receiver software runs on standard PCs or mini-computers like Raspberry Pi, using an inexpensive USB DVB-T radio dongle.
Use Cases
- Real-time glider and light aircraft tracking on live maps at airfields and gliding clubs
- Search and rescue (SAR) operations using live position data from FLARM and other tracking devices
- Automatic flight log and logbook generation for glider pilots based on OGN position reports
- Competition tracking for gliding contests and cross-country flights
- Drone and paraglider monitoring in shared airspace to improve safety and situational awareness
Pros
- Completely Free and Open Source: OGN is community-funded and volunteer-run with no licensing fees, and all tracking data is freely accessible under the OGN data usage policy.
- Wide Device Compatibility: Supports a broad range of tracking technologies and third-party data sources, making it usable for virtually any light aircraft or drone.
- Extensible Ecosystem: Open API and data stream allow developers to build custom applications, including live maps, flight logbooks, SAR tools, and competition platforms.
- Low-Cost Receiver Setup: Setting up a new ground receiver costs less than two aerotows, making community expansion accessible and affordable for gliding clubs.
Cons
- Coverage Depends on Community: Network coverage is uneven in areas with few volunteer receivers, leaving gaps in tracking in less-populated or remote regions.
- Technical Setup Required: Installing and maintaining a receiver requires Linux knowledge and hardware setup, which may be challenging for non-technical users.
- Not a Polished Consumer Product: As a community wiki and open infrastructure project, OGN lacks a streamlined onboarding experience compared to commercial tracking solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What aircraft and devices does OGN support?
OGN supports aircraft equipped with FLARM, OGN Trackers, and ADS-L devices. It also integrates data from SafeSky, PilotAware, SPOT, Garmin InReach, Skymaster, FANET (paragliders), and Spidertracks.
Is the OGN tracking data free to use?
Yes, all tracking data from the Open Glider Network is freely available. Users must comply with the OGN data usage policy when building applications or redistributing data.
How can I set up an OGN ground receiver?
You can install OGN receiver software on a Linux PC or a Raspberry Pi connected to a USB DVB-T radio dongle. Installation guides are available on the OGN wiki.
How do I register my aircraft or drone in the OGN device database?
Visit the OGN device database page on the wiki and register your aircraft or drone along with its tracking device. You can choose to appear as anonymous or with full identification.
Can developers build apps using OGN data?
Yes. OGN provides an open APRS data stream that developers can use to build live map viewers, flight logbooks, competition trackers, SAR tools, and more. A Developers Corner section on the wiki provides technical resources.
