When it comes to keeping tabs on a flight, the terms “flight tracking” and “flight monitoring” are often used interchangeably. However, they refer to slightly different processes and purposes. In this article, we’ll explore the distinctions between flight tracking and flight monitoring, so you can better understand which tool is right for your needs.
What is Flight Tracking?
Flight tracking refers to the real-time following of an aircraft’s journey from takeoff to landing. Using specialized tools, flight tracking provides you with live updates on the flight’s current location, speed, altitude, and estimated arrival time. This tracking is powered by technologies like ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) and radar systems, which relay the position of aircraft across the globe.
Flight tracking is ideal for passengers, aviation enthusiasts, and individuals waiting for a loved one at the airport. It helps you stay updated on the aircraft’s movements during the flight, whether you’re looking for general information or specific details about the plane’s status.
What is Flight Monitoring?
On the other hand, flight monitoring is a broader term that refers to continuously checking on a flight’s operational status. While flight tracking focuses on the current position of an aircraft, flight monitoring involves observing other factors like:
- Flight status: Is the flight on time, delayed, or canceled?
- Gate changes: Has the departure or arrival gate changed?
- Flight delays or diversions: Is the aircraft re-routed or facing delays due to weather, mechanical issues, or air traffic?
Flight monitoring can be done before and during the flight. It helps keep you informed about any issues that may arise with the flight itself. It’s especially useful for those planning to meet passengers at the airport, as it can provide updates on last-minute gate changes or flight delays.
Key Differences Between Flight Tracking and Monitoring
While both flight tracking and monitoring offer valuable insights, there are a few key differences:
- Purpose:
- Flight tracking is used to view an aircraft’s location and trajectory in real time.
- Flight monitoring offers a broader set of data, such as status updates, gate information, and weather delays.
- Focus:
- Tracking focuses on live data during the flight, including its position, altitude, and speed.
- Monitoring focuses on operational and logistical data, such as delays, cancellations, and gate changes.
- Usage:
- Flight tracking is primarily used by aviation enthusiasts and passengers to track the progress of a flight.
- Flight monitoring is mostly used by airport staff, travel planners, or those picking up passengers to ensure the flight’s timely arrival.
Which One Should You Use?
The choice between flight tracking and flight monitoring depends on your specific needs:
- If you’re looking to follow a flight’s real-time path across the skies, flight tracking is your best bet. It will give you the most precise and live data.
- If you need a comprehensive overview of the flight’s operational status, including updates on delays, gate changes, and flight conditions, flight monitoring would be the better option.
In many cases, both tracking and monitoring tools are available on the same platforms, allowing you to access both real-time flight locations and operational status updates all in one place.
Conclusion
While the terms flight tracking and flight monitoring are often used interchangeably, they serve distinct purposes. Flight tracking provides live information on a flight’s route and position, whereas flight monitoring gives broader data on the flight’s operational status, including any changes or delays. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right tool for your specific travel needs.
