TL;DR
A Show HN submission introduced a 3D London train tracker built with deck.gl, using TfL API and National Rail data. The creator says it can follow trains across London and toward nearby airports with minimal drift, though accuracy and coverage details have not been independently verified.
A Show HN submission has introduced a deck.gl-based 3D visualizer for following London trains, using data from the TfL API and National Rail to track services across the city and toward nearby airports.
The project is described by its creator as a browser-based rail visualizer that combines Transport for London data with National Rail information. The stated goal is to let users follow a selected train along its route with minimal drift, meaning the displayed train position is intended to stay close to where the service is expected to be.
The source material says the tool is built on deck.gl, a WebGL-powered framework often used for large-scale map and geospatial visualization. The project appears aimed at making live or near-live rail movement easier to inspect through a 3D map interface, rather than through standard departure boards or flat route maps.
The submission says users can pick a train from a platform, but the provided source text is incomplete after that point. It is confirmed that the tool targets London rail services and routes to the nearest airports; it is not confirmed from the supplied material which stations, operators, or airport links are fully supported.
A Clearer View of Rail Movement
The project matters because London rail information is often split across multiple systems, including TfL services, National Rail operators, and airport links. A unified 3D view could help riders, transport watchers, and developers see how trains move across the network in a more direct way.
For readers interested in civic technology, the submission is also a small example of how public transport APIs can be turned into practical consumer tools. The value depends on the reliability of the underlying feeds and the way the app estimates train position between known timing points, which the creator frames as tracking with minimal drift.
Next London Tube Tracker
live train timetable
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Built on Open Transit Feeds
Transport for London operates API services that developers use for arrivals, disruptions, routes, and other transport data. National Rail data is commonly used for mainline train information, including services that connect London with surrounding areas and airport routes.
The use of deck.gl places the project in a familiar stack for interactive geospatial work. The library is often selected for rendering large numbers of objects on maps, which fits a service that needs to draw moving train positions, routes, and station-level information without making the interface feel static.
“deck.gl based visualiser of the TFL Api + National Rails”
— Project creator, in the Show HN source description
Vintage London Underground Train Map Replica Prints, 1 (11×14) Unframed Photos, Wall Art Decor for Home Work Office Man Cave Studio City Railroad Travel Geography History School Student Teacher Coach
Unframed 1 (11×14 inches) prints – Multi colors 1908 London Underground replica map
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Accuracy and Coverage Still Open
Several details remain unconfirmed from the supplied source material. It is not yet clear how often the train positions refresh, how the system handles late or cancelled services, or whether it uses live positioning, timetable interpolation, platform data, or a mix of those inputs.
It is also unclear which London stations, rail operators, and airport routes are covered in practice. The creator’s claim of minimal drift has not been independently tested in the provided material, so it should be treated as a project claim rather than a verified performance measure.
Undetectable GPS Tracker for Vehicles – Real-Time Tracking, No Monthly Fee/No SIM Card, Works with iOS Find My | Mini Hidden Magnetic GPS Locator, Ultra-Slim, IP68 Waterproof, Reliable Performance
【Ultra-Slim Mini & Secure Design】 Ultra-thin, mini, and undetectable GPS tracker for vehicles. Features universal magnetic clips for…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Testing the Live Map
The next step is whether users can test the visualizer across real journeys and report how well it matches actual train movement. Feedback from riders and developers could clarify the tool’s coverage, its handling of service changes, and whether the 3D interface improves on existing rail-tracking options.
If the creator shares more technical notes, readers will be watching for details on data refresh rates, position-estimation methods, and how the system reconciles TfL and National Rail feeds when services overlap.
public transport navigation device
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
What is Follow London Trains in 3D?
It is a Show HN project described as a 3D train visualizer for following London rail services using TfL API and National Rail data.
Is the train tracking confirmed to be live?
The source says the tool can track trains with minimal drift, but it does not confirm the exact refresh rate or whether every displayed position is based on live data.
Which routes does it cover?
The supplied material confirms coverage for London and routes toward the nearest airports. It does not list every supported station, operator, or airport connection.
Why use a 3D map for trains?
A 3D map can make train movement easier to scan across a dense network, especially when combining platform selection, route movement, and citywide rail data in one view.
Source: hn
