Common questions

Where does route data come from?

The route and path that we draw are based on data provided by Flight Radar 24, which utilises ADS-B and satellite data. You can also load a route from a KML file.

Can I use older routes?

You can upload a KML file from any flight and create your map. Date-based flight lookups are limited to the last two years.

Why does my route look funny/odd/wrong?

We load in the actual flight path that your flight took, with some caveats. If your flight encountered GPS jamming, the resulting flight path might be distorted. Your flight path might also have deviated around conflict zones or no-fly zones, resulting in an unusual route. Please also note that routes change all the time. The same city pair will generate a different routing on different days due to weather and operational constraints. Different airlines will also fly the same route differently. That is what makes this so unique.

What kind of routes does it support?

We support almost all kinds of routes, from super-short island-hopping ones to extreme ultra-long-haul flights like Singapore to New York. However, with super-extreme long-haul routes that pass through the polar regions, like the recent Melbourne to Toulouse route, results might vary. Airline Atlas also supports segments, which means if you journey had stop-overs, then these be added. We do not (yet) support around the world flights.

What print sizes do you offer?

We offer A3, A2 and A1 print sizes for now. Additional sizes will be added later depending on demand.

What paper types do you offer?

We offer Enhanced Matte Paper Art Paper (200gsm), a slightly heavier and more premium Smooth Art Paper (240gsm), and finally a rich-textured Hahnemühle German Etching paper (310gsm).

How do exports work?

You can export a still image immediately and optionally generate an MP4 animation from the same route map. Image and video exports also support 1:1, 4:5, Instagram Story format and 3:4 aspect ratios. The video export is generated in the background and takes a few minutes to complete.

Why does the map projection look this way?

Every map re-projects the world around the route you have selected, with the departure at the top, the arrival at the bottom, and the route in between. This is not a mistake, but a design choice.

What do the icons mean next to the airport name?

Each map displays custom airport icons. These are miniature versions of the airport, outlining its individual runway layout. Our database contains more than 30,000 custom airport icons.

What aircraft types are supported?

Most common commercial aircraft types are supported, including narrow-body and wide-body jets from major manufacturers.

I have spotted a mistake, what can I do?

If you spot a mistake on a route map, please contact us with the details and we will correct it as soon as possible. Make sure to attach an image of your map.

What airlines are supported?

We support almost 100 different airline logos, including major carriers and regional airlines. If your airline is not supported, you can still create a route map without the logo.

Will you be adding more themes/styles?

Yes, we plan to add more themes in the future based on user feedback and demand. The seven themes available now should give you a broad range of map styles to choose from. Each has been carefully designed to cater to as wide a range of routes as possible.

Will my print match the colors on my screen?

We use color-accurate printing processes, but slight variations may occur due to differences in monitor calibration and lighting conditions.

How are the prints shipped?

Prints are carefully packaged and shipped via standard postal services. Delivery times may vary depending on your location. Prints are shipped rolled in a tube.

How are payments handled?

Payments are handled securely through our payment processor, Stripe. We accept major credit cards and other payment methods as indicated at checkout.

Who prints the maps?

Our maps are printed by third-party professional printing partners.

Where do you ship?

We ship worldwide. If your country is missing, let us know.

Who made this?

This project was created by Christian Nolle / Direction of Travel. Direction of Travel is a print magazine and digital platform exploring the culture of flying.

I want to get in touch?

You can contact us via email at christian@directionoftravel.com.