Why the Live Internet Traffic feature in Jeppesen Smart Airport Maps is an absolute game-changer
Ever found yourself starting a long taxi at a huge airport, only to wonder: Where is everyone else? You’re laser-focused on ATC’s rapid-fire instructions, glancing out the window—and see… nothing. No traffic. No clue how congested it’s getting near your runway or what’s happening along the taxi route.
Think of it as your “ground radar,” showing moving pieces of the puzzle—from aircraft lining up for departure to service vehicles zigzagging like they own the ramp. With Live Internet Traffic, you get real-time updates at your fingertips, keeping you aware of what’s going on without having to piece it together from scattered radio calls.
Let’s break it down—and see why this feature has become one of the biggest draws of Smart Airport Maps.
What is the Live Internet Traffic feature?
Here’s the simplest way to put it: Live Internet Traffic takes the Airport Moving Map many of us have used for years and supercharges it with live movement data. It shows where other aircraft and vehicles are on the airport surface at any given moment. Taxiing aircraft? You’ll see them. Ground trucks? Yep. That deicing team tucked behind a gate? On the map too.
This isn’t stale, preloaded data either. It’s continuously updated—from takeoff queues to congested taxiways. If it moves on the airport grounds and has ADS-B, chances are it’s showing up on your Smart Airport Map.
And here’s the best part—it’sfully integrated into FliteDeck Pro’s Smart Airport Map. No clunky add-ons. No flipping between apps. Just one streamlined EFB experience.
Traffic ahead of runway 24L.
How does the Live Internet Traffic feature work?
The magic lies in ADS-B and internet connectivity. It pulls live ADS-B data—as long as it’s no older than 20 seconds—from aircraft and ground vehicles, then presents it in a clear, intuitive display right on your EFB.
You’ll see traffic flow, movement trends and potential problems—all without cluttering your screen or complicating your workflow.
It’s like having a virtual ground controller in your pocket, feeding you key details without the extra radio chatter.
Why pilots love Live Internet Traffic
If you’ve ever taxied during the morning rush at JFK or Heathrow, you know it can feel more chaotic than a holiday terminal. That’s where Live Internet Traffic earns its keep—by cutting through the noise and giving you a clean view of what’s happening.
Here are the standout reasons pilots swear by it:
1. Instant situational awareness
Remember that nagging feeling when ATC fires off five instructions and you’re wondering, “Where is everyone else?” You jot everything down, but still feel like you’re flying blind.
With Live Internet Traffic, the guesswork disappears. You can visually track nearby aircraft and vehicles—in real time. Approaching an active taxiway intersection? One glance at the map, and you’ll know if something’s headed your way, no waiting for ATC to call it out.
This isn’t just a convenience; it’s critical support for those moments when complexity ramps up.
2. Reducing ground incidents
Runway incursions and near-misses aren’t just stressful—they’re serious safety risks. Live Internet Traffic reduces that risk by showing you where danger might be lurking.
Let’s say you’re rolling toward a hold-short line, and another vehicle is creeping into the same area. Live Internet Traffic gives you a visual cue before it becomes an issue. That live situational clarity can stop a minor confusion from becoming a major incident.
Bottom line? Having this kind of visibility on what’s moving around you can be a step toward keeping the ground safe for everyone.
Traffic in and around hotspot 1 at EHAM.
3. Taxi efficiency made simple
Ever been stuck behind a long line of aircraft with no idea where it ends? Or rerouted halfway through taxi with no explanation from ATC?
Live Internet Traffic shines here. It shows not just who’s ahead, but where congestion is building—and what alternate taxiways ATC might use. You’ll anticipate delays, avoid unplanned stops and navigate around bottlenecks instead of blindly following the line.
4. Confidence in all conditions
Let’s face it—ground ops in low visibility can feel like a guessing game. Whether it’s dense fog, pouring rain or snow, Live Internet Traffic helps fill in what your eyes can’t see.
It tracks the live position of nearby aircraft and vehicles, giving you confidence even when the outside world is a blur. You’ll know what’s happening around you, even when you can’t see past your nose wheel.
No more navigating by feel. Just clear, informed movement—even in poor conditions.
Ground Traffic near parking stand 210.
Practical scenarios where Live Internet Traffic shines
Sometimes the easiest way to understand the benefits is to see them in action. Here are a few real-world situations where Live Internet Traffic becomes a total game-changer:
Dealing with congested taxiways: You’re inching toward the departure runway during the morning rush. The line ahead is crawling. With Live Internet Traffic, you’ll see the congestion building before you even leave the gate—and better yet, the map helps you anticipate alternate taxi routes ATC might reroute you to. You’ll make quicker decisions and shave valuable minutes off your taxi time.
Avoiding surprise incidents: You’re cleared to cross a taxiway. What, you didn’t see? A ground vehicle just entered from the opposite side. Normally, this would mean a sudden brake check—or worse. With Live Internet Traffic showing both positions in real time, you can avoid the conflict before it even happens.
Staying calm in the chaos: Construction, reroutes and all those NOTAMs can turn an airport into a maze. Live Internet Traffic overlays these problem zones directly on your display. You’ll spot traffic trouble before it hits—and maybe even pick up on a route change before ATC gets to it. You’re ready while everyone else is reacting.
Why this feature puts you ahead of the game
The Live Internet Traffic feature in Smart Airport Maps is like having an extra set of eyes on the ground. It’s precise, intuitive and gives you the tools you need to make better, faster decisions during ground ops.
Whether you’re battling tight departure windows, complex taxiway setups, or even just the everyday churn of bustling airports, Live Internet Traffic simplifies the workload and keeps you one step ahead.
Next time you’re sitting on the flight deck preparing for pushback, wouldn’t it be nice to know what’s happening across the field instead of relying entirely on ATC or visual clues?
That’s the edge this feature gives you. Safer operations, smoother taxiing and fewer surprises. Safe travels, and here’s to smoother, smarter ground operations!
Contact the Jeppesen sales team to learn more about the Live Internet Traffic feature in Smart Airport Maps and how to get started with it today.
