Millions of people around the world followed Santa’s path on Christmas Eve thanks to technology developed by Exton-based Analytical Graphics Incorporated and its subsidiary, Cesium, writes Michaela Winberg for Billy Penn.

In 1997, AGI helped to develop the first official, real-time Santa tracker as a fun side project during its work with the North American Aerospace Defense Command. More than a decade later, the company’s spinoff, Cesium, gave the multi-nation tracker a 3D upgrade.

The software uses satellite imaging to create a 3D globe that helps users visualize the planet from their computer. The technology predates Google Earth and was the only global view that could be run directly from a browser for a while.

As part of the project, the developers never go off script. They keep insisting that Santa is real, and it takes military-grade technology to keep tabs on him on his busiest night.

“NORAD has all these sensors around the globe for tracking missiles to keep us safe,” said lead software developer Hannah Pinkos. “They use those same sensors to track Santa’s real position.”

Read more about Analytical Graphics at Billy Penn here.

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