London’s Heathrow Airport has gone live with a mapping and data platform from California-based Esri to modernise workflows and strengthen operations.

Called Heathrow Explorer and a core component of its digital transformation, the system provides a real-time, single view of infrastructure and assets, enabling teams to make faster and better decisions.

Using interactive maps and dashboards, it brings together previously siloed technical and operational information on more than 500,000 assets. The initial launch includes applications for up to 3000 staff across engineering, operations, fire service, property, retail and airport third parties, including airlines.

Created by Esri using its GIS (geographic information system), the approach replaces outdated legacy software with increased functionality, enhanced security and mobile access.

Containing almost 300 layers of information, the mapping system makes Heathrow’s digital engineer strategy possible. Engineers can now quickly access data relating to the airport’s asset base from any location, making maintenance planning, inspections and site visits safer and more efficient.

The system is part of the airport’s asset management and compliance programme, focused on renewing and maintaining Heathrow’s critical infrastructure, including runways, terminals, security and baggage to improve operational performance and the passenger experience.

“Location intelligence is becoming a core capability in how we achieve Heathrow’s asset management and operational goals,” said Gavin Payne, director of engineering at Heathrow Airport (www.heathrow.com). “Our new Esri platform is making it easier for colleagues to access and use the information they need, improving everyday efficiency, supporting better decision-making and helping build a more resilient airport.”

Heathrow is Europe’s busiest airport, serving almost 85 million passengers in 2025, the airport’s busiest year on record. The airport is also the most connected hub in the world, with 230 destinations in 80 countries.

The first application to go live was Winter Resilience, providing airfield teams with real-time updates on airside snow clearance or de-icing activity. Replacing manual workflows, which used printed maps, the new tool gives teams a single operational picture on handheld devices. Airfield managers can dispatch the nearest available clearance team and track progress instantly, helping speed up snow clearance activities to avoid flight delays during winter.

Improving access to information via mobile devices is a key driver of the system. One example is an application designed for the fire services team, showing all water assets with live hydrant and water network availability, including Heathrow’s 115km of fire mains. Fire crews can now access maps and graphical information about assets from mobile devices, which helps improve incident response and future scenario planning.

The geospatial system has been extended to major contractors working on Heathrow’s asset management and compliance programme, enhancing collaboration and helping streamline construction projects. A tool to manage the airport’s noise and vortex compensation and repairs scheme for neighbouring properties has also gone live.

Future developments include applications for the Heathrow expansion programme and the use of Esri indoor GIS to improve terminal navigation for passengers and staff on smartphones.

“Heathrow is demonstrating what next generation airport geospatial systems look like,” said Pete Wilkinson, managing director of Esri in the UK (www.esriuk.com). “By unifying spatial data to streamline workflows, the airport is creating a digital foundation that will fuel innovation for years to come and keep delivering a world class passenger experience.”

Heathrow Explorer has been designed and developed by Esri (www.esri.com), in partnership with Spyrosoft, 1Spatial and GeoJobe. Geospatial data have been provided by Esri partners Ordnance Survey, BlueSky and LandClan.