I wonder if it is a practical idea to integrate air traffic data with all the other data we track in the GCS and the OSD. Data seems to be available. I don't see a complete solution in hand but some pieces are there., It looks like there is a growing standard for position reporting (ADS-B) and you can buy a receiver that will allow you to track air traffic in the area. This will only track aircraft that are equipped with ADS-B, but that is in growing numbers and is more prevalent in Europe. There is other data available too, from the FAA, that covers aircraft based on Radar and transponders (I think) for that data there is a 5 min delay that limits its usefulness.
Pictured above is a nifty item, reminds me of the 3DR radios!
This is an example of a receiver that can be connected to a laptop and display a map of local traffic. I'm sure it could easily be hacked and the data turned into waypoints.
There are several networks and software available to allow you to contribute data as well as receive data even if you do not have a receiver. This can work similar to how the findu.com network works for hams using APRS. To me, this seems to be a next logical step for hobbyists who are using altitudes higher than a few hundred feet.
I wonder if the drone community as a hold has an interest and see it as being practical as something that could increase safety, or is this a "dude" idea?
If you would like to learn more, here are a few links i found:
Comments
Richard, I made an updated blog post demonstrating an air traffic overlay on OSD, seehttp://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/augmented-reality-display-of-ai...
This looks promising, and I look forward to seeing this technology being perfected for use on tav hobby craft. My usage right now doesn't really call for it as I am typically under 400 feet and 1500 feet or less from my takeoff point. But I am interested in long range systems as well, just haven't gone there yet. I would like to both send a beacon out so I can be avoided, and would also like to see in my OSD, any traffic that I need be aware of. That would be pretty cool!
I've received ADS-B on an AR.Drone: http://lemondronor.com/blog/indexphp/2013/4/cheap-ads-b-on-amateur-...
And this video shows overlaying ADS-B traffic on an AR.Drone camera feed (you could do the same thing with FPV OSD): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW-7JqUMmrs
@Tilman:
SkyVector.com is an excellent source of aeronautical charts. The notations can be confusing for non-pilots; the FAA has an explanation of VFR terms and symbols which is helpful.
To simplify things, planes flying VFR (non instrument) may fly in Class G airspace, which starts at 1500' AGL (feet above ground level) and stops anywhere another airspace class starts. Any airspace which is not Class G requires clearance from air traffic control to enter or take off in.
Farnborough looks like this:
Long story short, you're in remarkably dangerous airspace, and it would be smart to figure out your limits before you end up on the news.
Great comments, also very good post Armin, great source of info.
I enjoy the FPV side of this hobby, so naturally, when goggled, it would be nice to have this data represented in waypoints in the OSD. I can imagine that the data could be rendered as moving waypoints, with a iconic symbol, with speed and altitude and with breadcrumbs so you could determine the path easily. (I don't ask for much do I?) I realize there is a limit to how much info can be displayed on such a small screen as you have in goggles, so this might be difficult, but I can just imagine how MinumOSD displays an amazing amount of information and possibly could do this too if the data is in the MAVlink stream.
FYI
http://www.irrational.net/2012/08/06/tracking-planes-for-20-or-less/
Good post. Chris Anderson talked about this idea in an interview a while ago (on All Things that Fly, I think) and implied 3DR was working up a solution for this. Maybe this post will get things moving.
I've collected some information that may help anyone interested in this:
It should be noted that the worldwide standard for ADS-B only applies to jetliners, so it may not prevent collisions with the traffic that drones are likely to be flying with. Hopefully this situation will improve in the future.
Tech note: To ensure maximum range, the data rate of the primary ADS-B channel must be relatively slow; too slow to accommodate weather maps or (if the FAA is to be believed) tracking data for every small plane in the sky. To work around this limitation the U.S. has allocated a separate higher-bandwidth ADS-B frequency for smaller domestic aircraft which also offers weather data and several other helpful services. This is the ADS-B service that drones will probably need to interface with (at least in the U.S.) but unfortunately the micro ADS-B receiver mentioned in the post and all the others I've found so far are tuned to the jetliner channel, and there are no R/C-sized transmitters for any frequency available at all.
The good news for [full scale] unmanned flight is that part of the FAA's Next Generation plan includes replacing the current ATC communication system with something resembling formatted text messages, which would enable a craft to make ATC requests and comply with ATC commands autonomously. This brings drones one step closer to sharing airspace and airports with manned flight.
I've always thought this would be part of the integration solution.
Even if it's just so atypical low level traffic like: air ambulance, military, crop duster, powerline inspection, etc could broadcast an electronic siren ahead of them. Any UA would know to get on the ground ASAP.
Not to mention getting warnings about ground based hazards: towers, lines, etc.
Plus, there is weather data broadcast over ADS-B, that's always useful for any pilot.
As you are flying VLOS below 400` you should see the traffic easily. Doing this is a thought but of course having your aircraft transmitting is what should happen. This would perhaps require an approved installation.
Also integration of ADSB is going fairly well in Europe but has big opposition from small aircraft owners in the USA. So you would be taking avoiding action on airframes in the airways system mostly.
Just calling a system a hobby system does not remove you from responsibility. UA drivers are just as liable as their manned counterparts. The change in airframe definition ensured that a couple of years ago.
ADSB is probably part of the future along with vision based collision detection.
Don't expect to be flying BLOS without certification at some level ever though.
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