adsb-heatmap.com

What It Is

ADS-B Heatmap is a heatmap generation tool designed for ADS-B and SDR use cases. According to the page, it can use data exported from tools such as dump1090 to plot SDR reception patterns, helping users observe ADS-B signal coverage and distribution. The tool has a very niche focus and feels more like a practical visualization utility for radio enthusiasts and ADS-B receiver station maintainers.

Core Capabilities and Ecosystem

Based on the captured content, the core function is “Make a Heatmap,” with options such as Intensity, Blur, and Save Heatmap, indicating that users can adjust heatmap intensity, apply blur effects, and save the result. In terms of ecosystem integration, the page explicitly mentions dump1090, a common tool in the ADS-B receiving community, so its input data likely comes from exports generated by an existing receiver setup. However, the page does not specify the exact data format, import workflow, browser compatibility, or any supported languages, frameworks, APIs, or SDKs.

Open Source, Self-Hosting, and Pricing

The page does not state whether the project is open source or closed source, nor does it provide a repository, license, or self-hosting instructions. No commercial plans are visible; the only monetization reference is “Buy me a coffee,” suggesting a free-to-use tool with voluntary donations. Payment methods and donation platform details are not disclosed in the main content.

Pros and Cons

Its strengths are a clear purpose and a small set of controls, making it suitable for quickly turning ADS-B reception data into an intuitive heatmap. For users already using dump1090, the conceptual learning curve should be low. The downsides are also obvious: there is very little public information, with no documentation, sample data, format specification, or support channel. It is also unclear whether the tool is actively maintained, can run offline, supports batch processing, or can be integrated into automated workflows.

Who It’s For and Access from China

It is best suited to SDR/ADS-B hobbyists, antenna-tuning users, and personal receiver station maintainers who want to evaluate site coverage and reception performance. It is less suitable for teams that require enterprise-grade support, API automation, or a complete data pipeline. Access from China cannot be determined from the available content and should be marked as unknown. If access is unstable, local GIS/plotting libraries, self-built scripts, or other ADS-B visualization tools may be considered as alternatives.