Discussion summary
A real-time map of Great Britain's rail network uses open signaling data to track train locations, which some find intrusive. The system shows train positions on sections of track, but not precise locations within those sections. Users discuss its usefulness and privacy implications.
What the discussion says
- Some see it as essential for safety and operations.
- Others find the surveillance aspect disturbing.
- The data shows train locations on track sections, not exact points.
- There is interest in visual features like animation.
- Some users find the system effective for long-distance travel.
“Knowing the location of trains is pretty important.”
“This information is derived from open signalling data, which the signalling system has to track.”
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- Hacker News
- Cool app with some useful features.
Here is my custom map of UK trains that are affordable
https://www.map.signalbox.io/?location=@52.86376,-2.32537,4....
And here is my map of UK trains that aren't subsidised despite being 'private companies'
https://www.map.signalbox.io/?location=@52.86376,-2.32537,4....
And here is a map of trains that use the fact they are moving quickly through the air to provide some semblance of ventilation
https://www.map.signalbox.io/?location=@52.86376,-2.32537,4....
by jimnotgym - This only seems to be standard overground trains. If you add in metro networks like the London tube, or light rail / trams like in Manchester, then you’d get at least hundreds more.by robin_reala
- There's one for the Czech network (one of the densest in the world, if not the densest) https://grapp.spravazeleznic.czby drej
- Would be better if it had some technical explanation rather than just yet another public transport map. This:
https://vgcgroup.co.uk/news/signalbox-for-train-locations/
suggests the data mostly comes from railway signalling information, plus a bit of "AI" in some way. I wonder how far apart railway signals usually are, or what the AI is trained on, or anything really vs just looking at a map.
- Meanwhile, the sad state of intercity trains in the United States, outside of the Northeast Corridor.by dan_sbl
- Checkout the French equivalent : https://carto.tchoo.net. Looks more complete.
Past similar HN submission got no attention, whereas the UK's top page. Interesting !
by maelito - > Signalbox's technology identifies the train a device is on by matching a snapshot of smartphone data to a train’s trajectory data. The technology uses advanced algorithms works even with severely degraded data. We are able to pinpoint a smartphone to any type of train without background location tracking or hardware.
Hmm, that's...interesting?
by AJRF - Switzerland's real-time map of trains and public transport (zoom in on a city to view its public transport in real time). You can find boats too.
And if you check on/off the other options, you get way more informations.
https://maps.trafimage.ch/ch.sbb.netzkarte?lang=en&baselayer...
by Bengalilol