Published 2026-10-12
God's Eye View FAQ: Keys, Costs, Privacy, Requirements
Is it free? Is it spying? Do you need API keys? Quick answers to every common God's Eye View question.
Quick answers to the questions everyone asks about God's Eye View — cost, keys, privacy, hardware, and what it can and can't do.
Is God's Eye View free?
Yes. MIT licensed, no login, no account. Optional API keys (Google 3D tiles, OpenAI voice, AISStream, FIRMS) use your own accounts with their normal pricing — the app itself never charges.
Is it legal? Is this spying?
Legal, and not spying. Every feed is public broadcast data: ADS-B transponders, AIS beacons, published satellite orbits, USGS sensors, public municipal cameras. No personal data, no private cameras, no phone tracking. It looks like a movie hacker tool; it's a visualization of open signals.
What do I need to run it?
Node 24.14+ (or 26) for the terminal install, or just the Pinokio app for one-click. A modern browser with WebGL, a decent GPU for the 3D tiles, and a stable internet connection. Full steps in our install guide.
Do I need API keys?
No — the keyless start covers the globe plus flights, military tracks, satellites, earthquakes, CCTV, radio, and launches. Keys unlock Google photorealistic 3D tiles, voice control, ships, wildfires, and richer traffic.
Can I see historical data / replay yesterday?
No. The app is live-only by design — the project notes that live data is cheap but history gets expensive fast. For playback, use dedicated trackers like ADS-B Exchange.
Does it work on mobile?
It loads in a mobile browser, but the 3D globe wants a desktop screen, mouse, and GPU. Usable on tablets, cramped on phones.
Who made it?
Bilawal Sidhu and Sameh Khamis of Halfpixel. It grew out of Sidhu's viral video series, hit #1 on GitHub Trending in August 2026, and was featured on Pinokio and Product Hunt (#8 Product of the Day).
Where's the code?
github.com/bilawalsidhu/gods-eye-view — MIT license, vanilla JavaScript + Vite + CesiumJS. Fork it, extend it, add your own layers; each data source is a separate module.
Can I add my own data layer?
Yes — that's the point of the modular design. Each layer is self-contained; the README documents the pattern. Community forks have already added niche feeds.