Comments on: Behold, the "point your iPhone at a plane and know where it's headed" app! http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Fri, 24 May 2013 19:06:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: bobrk http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-890881 bobrk Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-890881 Also, there is a free version if you want to try it out. Also, there is a free version if you want to try it out.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-890896 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-890896 Android edition requested immediately! Android edition requested immediately!

]]> By: EdFox http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-891175 EdFox Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-891175 For the US, ADS-B out (what this uses) isn't mandated until 2020 and I suspect most airlines won't bother until then. At least that's the vibe I've gotten. There may be slightly more luck with GA as some private plane owners are true gadget freaks who may already have an ADS-B transponder but even then there's the issue that only certain areas have the ground stations in place. Still, an interesting concept. ADS-B in for a smartphone. For the US, ADS-B out (what this uses) isn’t mandated until 2020 and I suspect most airlines won’t bother until then. At least that’s the vibe I’ve gotten.

There may be slightly more luck with GA as some private plane owners are true gadget freaks who may already have an ADS-B transponder but even then there’s the issue that only certain areas have the ground stations in place.

Still, an interesting concept. ADS-B in for a smartphone.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-902185 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-902185 NOT MORE UFO ... :D NOT MORE UFO … :D

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-892467 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-892467 As a pilot myself, I find this interesting. However, in order to know where the plane is going, you have to know where the plane is going. I frequently fly "unannounced" - under visual flight rules, you aren't required to file a flight plan, or even be in touch with ATC for most of the United States. Only in heavily populated areas near major airports is there the requirement to contact ATC, and even then, no flight plan is required. no matter how "good" the app is, it can't know more about my flights than I've filed, and the majority of noncommercial flights have no flight plan on file. As a pilot myself, I find this interesting. However, in order to know where the plane is going, you have to know where the plane is going. I frequently fly “unannounced” – under visual flight rules, you aren’t required to file a flight plan, or even be in touch with ATC for most of the United States.

Only in heavily populated areas near major airports is there the requirement to contact ATC, and even then, no flight plan is required.

no matter how “good” the app is, it can’t know more about my flights than I’ve filed, and the majority of noncommercial flights have no flight plan on file.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-890941 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-890941 I believe the FAA requires delays to public flight position information by 5 minutes (I assume its terrorism related but I never cared enough to find out). At least flight aware says they are delayed five because of the FAA. So in the US you could point your phone to the sky and find out what that plane was you saw five minutes ago :-) I believe the FAA requires delays to public flight position information by 5 minutes (I assume its terrorism related but I never cared enough to find out). At least flight aware says they are delayed five because of the FAA. So in the US you could point your phone to the sky and find out what that plane was you saw five minutes ago :-)

]]> By: ill lich http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-891455 ill lich Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-891455 I'm curious HOW a terrorist will use this info. I don't see any practical use for this info other than curiosity. Knowing where a plane is headed doesn't mean you can flag it down and catch a ride. I guess if a terrorist had a surface to air missile he could blow up a particular plane, but if you take away the app, he still has the missile, which is the real threat. I’m curious HOW a terrorist will use this info. I don’t see any practical use for this info other than curiosity. Knowing where a plane is headed doesn’t mean you can flag it down and catch a ride. I guess if a terrorist had a surface to air missile he could blow up a particular plane, but if you take away the app, he still has the missile, which is the real threat.

]]> By: dfornika http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-890944 dfornika Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-890944 I have nothing productive to add, other than my slack-jawed amazement. Ho-lee-shiat. I love it when I get floored by a 'simple' idea that is non-obvious until it is implemented. I have nothing productive to add, other than my slack-jawed amazement.

Ho-lee-shiat.

I love it when I get floored by a ‘simple’ idea that is non-obvious until it is implemented.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-891236 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-891236 I actually looked into developing something like this but did not have the time to commit to the project. One of the first barriers was that the flight data is somewhat delayed from the FAA (by a minute to more) and you have to go through a bit of a hurdle jump to get the stuff. While not a big deal when looking at a plane overhead at 30,000 feet, for those lower to the ground you'd have the data out of whack quite a bit. I actually looked into developing something like this but did not have the time to commit to the project. One of the first barriers was that the flight data is somewhat delayed from the FAA (by a minute to more) and you have to go through a bit of a hurdle jump to get the stuff. While not a big deal when looking at a plane overhead at 30,000 feet, for those lower to the ground you’d have the data out of whack quite a bit.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-891238 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-891238 works here in the netherlands... works here in the netherlands…

]]> By: PCTechBytes http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-892776 PCTechBytes Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-892776 I really don't see the point in this app. It's not like you can run and catch the plane like hailing a taxi or a waiting for bus. I would perceive it as a potential terror threat. I really don’t see the point in this app. It’s not like you can run and catch the plane like hailing a taxi or a waiting for bus. I would perceive it as a potential terror threat.

]]> By: imipak http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-891753 imipak Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-891753 So, an AR version of http://www.flightradar24.com/ , then. I love this - we're on a main transatlantic route, roughly 100 miles west of Heathrow, and it's fascinating to see how far away a contrail at 35000 feet is visible. Finding out it's full of German optometrists heading for a conference in Boston is just the icing on the cake. So, an AR version of http://www.flightradar24.com/ , then. I love this – we’re on a main transatlantic route, roughly 100 miles west of Heathrow, and it’s fascinating to see how far away a contrail at 35000 feet is visible. Finding out it’s full of German optometrists heading for a conference in Boston is just the icing on the cake.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-892527 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-892527 In concept, a good idea, but there are few places currently where it would be effective. ADS-B is transmitted automatically by transponders on (many) international aircraft, but most domestic aircraft do not include the extended dataset contained in ADS-B. I was not aware that smartphones were able to receive data bursts on this frequency! On the routes I fly, the only ATC facilities that appear to use ADS-B are in Northern Canada. The rest all receive ADS data through sat feeds. In concept, a good idea, but there are few places currently where it would be effective. ADS-B is transmitted automatically by transponders on (many) international aircraft, but most domestic aircraft do not include the extended dataset contained in ADS-B. I was not aware that smartphones were able to receive data bursts on this frequency!
On the routes I fly, the only ATC facilities that appear to use ADS-B are in Northern Canada. The rest all receive ADS data through sat feeds.

]]> By: Ugly Canuck http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-892788 Ugly Canuck Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-892788 "Potential terror threat"? How so? I mean, can you sketch out how this could be so used? I don't see the manner in which this could be used by a terrorist, without that terrorist already being possessed of a lot lot more info and equipment, other than just this app. “Potential terror threat”?
How so?
I mean, can you sketch out how this could be so used?
I don’t see the manner in which this could be used by a terrorist, without that terrorist already being possessed of a lot lot more info and equipment, other than just this app.

]]> By: Ugly Canuck http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-892794 Ugly Canuck Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-892794 I like the app - where are the ones that allow me to ID stars, plants, animals, boats, automobiles, and people? I'm generally speaking pretty curious to know what it is that I'm seeing. I like the app – where are the ones that allow me to ID stars, plants, animals, boats, automobiles, and people?
I’m generally speaking pretty curious to know what it is that I’m seeing.

]]> By: WalterBillington http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-891272 WalterBillington Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-891272 It is really a bit risky. It is really a bit risky.

]]> By: Kobie http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-891273 Kobie Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-891273 There's been a free Android equivalent available for some time now from http://casper.frontier.nl/ If you install Layar from the android market, then one of the optional add-ons is for flight info. It works pretty well in the areas that support it. There's a 40 second delay, but otherwise it's pretty cool. There’s been a free Android equivalent available for some time now from http://casper.frontier.nl/

If you install Layar from the android market, then one of the optional add-ons is for flight info. It works pretty well in the areas that support it. There’s a 40 second delay, but otherwise it’s pretty cool.

]]> By: Donald Petersen http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-890779 Donald Petersen Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-890779 Well, the commenters there don't seem to love it; they claim it barely works. But what a world. Who'dathunk five years ago that you could ID airplanes and their destinations as they zoom overhead... with your phone? But that you still couldn't keep a call connected while standing on the corner of Laurel Canyon and Ventura Blvd. Well, the commenters there don’t seem to love it; they claim it barely works.

But what a world. Who’dathunk five years ago that you could ID airplanes and their destinations as they zoom overhead… with your phone?

But that you still couldn’t keep a call connected while standing on the corner of Laurel Canyon and Ventura Blvd.

]]> By: Sutra http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-891547 Sutra Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-891547 Right? It won't be long before the DHS gets its panties in a twist over this and the app disappears. Right? It won’t be long before the DHS gets its panties in a twist over this and the app disappears.

]]> By: Dawn_deMom http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-890784 Dawn_deMom Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-890784 If this were available for Droid, I'd be all over it - as would my husband! Very cool if it works (at least most of the time.) If this were available for Droid, I’d be all over it – as would my husband! Very cool if it works (at least most of the time.)

]]> By: dainel http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-899746 dainel Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-899746 If you just wanted to cause mayhem, it doesn't matter which plane you blow up with your SAM. But if you're a hitman targeting a particular person, this will be helpful. But you don't need it. Just have your accomplice at the airport watching the planes taking off, and phone you when the one you wants is taking off ... If you just wanted to cause mayhem, it doesn’t matter which plane you blow up with your SAM. But if you’re a hitman targeting a particular person, this will be helpful.

But you don’t need it. Just have your accomplice at the airport watching the planes taking off, and phone you when the one you wants is taking off …

]]> By: Chris Anderson http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-895653 Chris Anderson Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-895653 Starwalk and a number of other iPhone astronomy apps allow you to ID stars and planets by pointing your phone towards them. Starwalk and a number of other iPhone astronomy apps allow you to ID stars and planets by pointing your phone towards them.

]]> By: taj1f http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-891053 taj1f Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-891053 Soon enough we'll be triangulating signals and identifying people's stats/info... and then when the facial recognition software is up to speed... goodbye anonymity. Soon enough we’ll be triangulating signals and identifying people’s stats/info… and then when the facial recognition software is up to speed… goodbye anonymity.

]]> By: Michael Smith http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-891312 Michael Smith Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-891312 Australia does have ADS-B coverage for aircraft at and above 10000 feet but that requires a network of several dozen receivers spread across the continent. I doubt this person is providing the ground stations themselves if they have 100% coverage. Australia does have ADS-B coverage for aircraft at and above 10000 feet but that requires a network of several dozen receivers spread across the continent. I doubt this person is providing the ground stations themselves if they have 100% coverage.

]]> By: penguinchris http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-890808 penguinchris Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-890808 There are websites that show you the position of flights in the US... it doesn't seem like much of a stretch to me to use your GPS position along with the data those sites use to do the same thing. I suppose it might not be as precise, and I don't know that those sites are accurate or if they just show a calculated position based on the departure and arrival time, but for most cases it seems like it should work. There are websites that show you the position of flights in the US… it doesn’t seem like much of a stretch to me to use your GPS position along with the data those sites use to do the same thing. I suppose it might not be as precise, and I don’t know that those sites are accurate or if they just show a calculated position based on the departure and arrival time, but for most cases it seems like it should work.

]]> By: certron http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-891068 certron Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-891068 I had this same idea but was thinking to use data from FlightAware somehow. Not that it will make me write any software quicker, but I was going to use the Android platform. I was completely unaware of the existence of this ADS-B stuff. Still, pretty nifty. I had this same idea but was thinking to use data from FlightAware somehow. Not that it will make me write any software quicker, but I was going to use the Android platform. I was completely unaware of the existence of this ADS-B stuff. Still, pretty nifty.

]]> By: DisneyBoy http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-890817 DisneyBoy Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-890817 It'd be awesome if it worked. I often see planes landing and I wonder where they are coming from. However, it claims that there are no flights in or around Florida at all. It’d be awesome if it worked. I often see planes landing and I wonder where they are coming from. However, it claims that there are no flights in or around Florida at all.

]]> By: dross1260 http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-890820 dross1260 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-890820 Cut over arching head crane from "She's gone now". Cut over arching head crane from “She’s gone now”.

]]> By: PeaceNerd http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-890822 PeaceNerd Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-890822 Cool!!! This reminds me of the "SkyScout" - the little gadget you can point at objects in the night sky to find out what they are/how far away/requisite folklore. I fly constantly, but never cease to look at those little tiny planes way way up with a little bit of awe, and wonder where they're going, and who's on board. If they can overcome the glitchy coverage issue, I'd buy the phone just to have the app. Cool!!! This reminds me of the “SkyScout” – the little gadget you can point at objects in the night sky to find out what they are/how far away/requisite folklore. I fly constantly, but never cease to look at those little tiny planes way way up with a little bit of awe, and wonder where they’re going, and who’s on board. If they can overcome the glitchy coverage issue, I’d buy the phone just to have the app.

]]> By: mdh http://boingboing.net/2010/09/20/behold-the-point-you.html#comment-890823 mdh Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-890823 Can we please have one that identifies the operators of surveillance cameras? Can we please have one that identifies the operators of surveillance cameras?

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