Heathrow Airport launches real-time GIS platform to boost operational resilience

Heathrow Airport has gone live with Heathrow Explorer, a real‑time geographic information system created by Esri UK. The platform consolidates more than 500,000 assets and almost 300 data layers onto interactive maps and dashboards, giving up to 3,000 staff in engineering, operations, fire service, property, retail and airline partners a single operational picture.

The system replaces legacy mapping tools, adding mobile access, enhanced security and faster decision‑making for tasks such as winter snow‑clearance and de‑icing. Director of Engineering and Baggage Gavin Payne said the new location‑intelligence capability supports the airport’s digital‑engineer strategy and helps build a more resilient hub. Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport with about 85 million passengers in 2025, expects the platform to improve maintenance planning, inspections and overall passenger experience.