Real-time Aircraft Projection Mapping using ADS-B Radio

Real-time Aircraft Tracking Projected onto a Ceiling

A developer living in the takeoff path of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has built a system that projects real-time aircraft positions and data directly onto their ceiling. The project, described as an "X-ray through the roof," allows the resident to see exactly which planes are flying overhead without needing to look outside.

Technical Implementation

The system relies on ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) radio signals. Aircraft broadcast their position, altitude, and flight identity via ADS-B, which can be intercepted by ground-based receivers.

Key technical components of the build include:

  • Data Source: ADS-B radio signals intercepted via a receiver (and in some cases, custom antenna arrays).
  • Software: The project is powered by the open-source Skylight project, available on GitHub at github.com/cpaczek/skylight.
  • Visualization: A projector is used to map the aircraft data onto a 2D ceiling surface. The software renders the planes' movements in real time, creating a dynamic map of the sky above the house.
  • Expanded Scope: Beyond aircraft, the Skylight project can also map the movements of the sun, moon, constellations, and the International Space Station (ISS).

Community Insights and Use Cases

Discussion among enthusiasts highlights the project's appeal to "airplane nerds" and those living in high-traffic flight paths. While some users noted that the system is essentially a projection of a web-based tracker (like FlightRadar24) onto a ceiling, others praised the ingenuity of the integration.

Noise and Living Conditions

Living in a primary takeoff path presents significant acoustic challenges. Community members discussed the reality of living in these zones:

"Imagine having a backyard bbq and having to wait for the plane to pass to finish your sentence"

Some users pointed out that in the United States, residents in the DNL 65 dBA noise exposure zone may be eligible for noise insulation subsidies from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which can include upgraded windows, doors, and insulation to reduce noise exposure.

Hardware Suggestions

Technical observers suggested that the project is an ideal use case for older hardware, such as the Raspberry Pi 3B+, which is sufficient for handling the lightweight data processing and projection required for the system.

Summary of Project Resources

For those looking to replicate the setup, the primary resources are:

  • GitHub Repository: github.com/cpaczek/skylight
  • Project Website: skylightceiling.com

Sources