# External Resources

# External Datasets

**VRS X Supports 2 types of Aircraft Datasets: OpenSky-Network CSV and ADSBExchange NDJSON**

This tutorial has been made to make it easier to understand the concept and how to set this thing up properly.


#### Why? 
The answer is simple: licensing. To avoid any reverse engineering, VRS X code is closed and licenced as Freeware Proprietary. And there were several reasons I did not add such data into VRS X and stayed with BYOD (Bring Your Own Licence) approach, where it's your responsibility to comply with licenses. For example, VRS X supports ADSBExchange NDJSON file, but due to it's licensing, I cannot put it into VRS X natively. Similarly with other resources, but this is explained in another document. 

### How to set up Aircraft Database?
First, you can import your old BaseStation.sqb from old, but gold (I will always call it this way to show my endless gratitude!) Virtual Radar Server. 

So, once you log in to your VRS X admin panel, enter **"Server Settings"** and you will be welcomed with a screen as below:
[![Screenshot 2026-04-05 at 17.58.27.png](https://docs.vrsx.app/uploads/images/gallery/2026-04/scaled-1680-/HwZejhsDzlOsdvSN-screenshot-2026-04-05-at-17-58-27.png)](https://docs.vrsx.app/uploads/images/gallery/2026-04/HwZejhsDzlOsdvSN-screenshot-2026-04-05-at-17-58-27.png)

If you scroll down a little, you will see a **BaseStation Database** section. 

In this section, you can provide a path to your Database file - as the time of writing (Apr 5 2026), only written path is supported. 

Below you can link OpenSky Network CSV file and ADS-B Exchange JSON file.

OpenSky Network CSV can be downloaded from: [https://opensky-network.org/datasets/#metadata/](https://opensky-network.org/datasets/#metadata/)

ADSB Exchange NDJSON file can be found here: [https://www.adsbexchange.com/database/contribute/](https://www.adsbexchange.com/database/contribute/)

**Note** You can upload both files, database engine will perform a smart merge of the data, it will skip what exists and will write new data. 

Then, you can also connect Airport Database, for example from OurAirports: [https://ourairports.com/data/](https://ourairports.com/data/) 

**NOTE 2** There is no need to download those files. Simply provide URLs, logic underneath will cover the rest. 

#### After that, scroll down, Save Configuration and restart VRSX.