AeroFinder iOS App

AeroFinder is an iOS application that detects flights overhead using real-time flight data and sends notifications with interesting aircraft facts. Built with Swift and using free open-source APIs for flight tracking.

Features

Core Functionality

• Real-time Flight Detection: Automatically detects flights passing overhead using location services
• Background Monitoring: Checks for flights every hour even when the app is closed
• Push Notifications: Sends notifications when aircraft fly nearby with interesting facts
• Interactive Map: Displays nearby flights on a map with flight information
• Flight Details: Comprehensive information about each detected aircraft
• Aircraft Facts: Educational information about different aircraft types

Technical Features

• Free APIs: Uses OpenSky Network API for real-time flight data
• Location Services: Both foreground and background location tracking
• Background Tasks: Efficient background processing for flight detection
• Modern UI: Clean, modern interface built with UIKit
• Privacy Focused: Clear privacy policy and permission handling

Screenshots

The app includes:

• Map View: Interactive map showing nearby flights with airplane icons
• Flight List: Table view of all detected flights with details
• Flight Details: Comprehensive information about specific flights
• Settings: Permission management and app configuration
• Notification History: Track of all flight notifications received

Requirements

• iOS 17.0+
• Xcode 15.0+
• Location services capability
• Network connectivity for flight data

Installation

Building from Source

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone <repository-url>
   cd aero-finder

2. Open in Xcode:

   open AeroFinder.xcodeproj

3. Configure signing:

   • Select your development team in the project settings
   • Update the bundle identifier if needed

4. Build and run:

   • Select your target device or simulator
   • Press Cmd+R to build and run

Required Permissions

The app requires the following permissions:

• Location Services: To detect your position and find nearby flights
• Push Notifications: To alert you about overhead aircraft
• Background App Refresh: For periodic flight detection

App Architecture

Core Services

• LocationService: Manages location tracking and permissions
• FlightService: Handles flight API integration and data processing
• NotificationService: Manages push notifications and alerts
• BackgroundTaskManager: Handles background flight detection

Data Models

• Flight: Represents flight data from APIs
• Aircraft: Contains aircraft specifications and facts
• FlightNotification: Notification history and metadata

View Controllers

• FlightMapViewController: Main map interface with flight visualization
• SettingsViewController: App settings and permission management
• FlightListViewController: List view of detected flights
• FlightDetailViewController: Detailed flight information
• NotificationHistoryViewController: History of flight notifications

API Integration

OpenSky Network API

AeroFinder uses the free OpenSky Network API for flight data:

• Endpoint: https://opensky-network.org/api/states/all
• Rate Limiting: Respects API limits with intelligent caching
• Coverage: Global flight tracking data
• Cost: Completely free to use

Flight Data Processing

• Real-time parsing of flight state vectors
• Filtering for flights within detection radius (10km)
• Intelligent deduplication and tracking
• Aircraft type identification and fact generation

Privacy & Security

Data Collection

• Location Data: Used only for flight detection, never stored remotely
• No Personal Data: No user accounts or personal information collected
• Local Processing: All data processing happens on-device

API Usage

• Location coordinates sent to OpenSky Network API only for flight queries
• No tracking or analytics services integrated
• Minimal data transmission for core functionality

Configuration

Background Tasks

• Flight checks scheduled every hour when app is backgrounded
• Uses iOS Background App Refresh capability
• Efficient battery usage with optimized API calls

Notification Settings

• Configurable notification radius (default: 10km)
• Rate limiting to prevent notification spam
• Rich notifications with flight details and facts

Development

Project Structure

AeroFinder/
├── Services/           # Core business logic
├── ViewControllers/    # UI controllers
├── Models/            # Data models
├── Assets.xcassets/   # App icons and images
├── Info.plist        # App configuration
└── Storyboards/      # UI layouts

Key Dependencies

• MapKit: For map display and annotations
• CoreLocation: For location services
• UserNotifications: For push notifications
• BackgroundTasks: For background processing

Building Features

• Clean architecture with separation of concerns
• Protocol-oriented design for testability
• Modern Swift with Combine for reactive programming
• Comprehensive error handling

Contributing

Development Setup

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Test thoroughly
5. Submit a pull request

Code Style

• Follow Swift API Design Guidelines
• Use clear, descriptive naming
• Include comprehensive comments
• Maintain separation of concerns

License

This project is open source. Please check the LICENSE file for details.

Acknowledgments

• OpenSky Network: For providing free flight tracking data
• Aircraft Database: Community-contributed aircraft specifications
• Icon Design: System icons from Apple's SF Symbols

Support

For issues or questions:

1. Check the Issues section on GitHub
2. Verify your API connectivity
3. Ensure location permissions are granted
4. Check iOS version compatibility

Roadmap

Future enhancements planned:

• Additional flight API integrations
• Airline-specific filtering options
• Flight path visualization
• Sharing capabilities
• Apple Watch companion app
• Widget support

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Note: This app uses free APIs and requires active internet connectivity for flight detection. Flight data accuracy depends on the OpenSky Network community and participating aircraft.