Real-time train and flight tracking apps become widely available

Rail operators in France and Spain now offer official mobile applications that display the exact location, expected arrival time and platform of trains in real time. The ADIF infrastructure feeds data to apps for high‑speed services such as AVE, Iryo and Ouigo, as well as regional and commuter lines. Users can see a linear map of the train’s progress, receive delay notifications and view the assigned track.

Similar technology powers online flight trackers. Position data are transmitted via ADS‑B transponders, MLAT triangulation or radar and are displayed on websites and apps. The displayed point represents the last known location, with accuracy depending on the source. Coverage gaps remain over oceans and some military or private aircraft may disable their transponders, resulting in incomplete data.