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AutoDGS

AutoDGS automatically provides a Docking Guidance System (VDGS or marshaller) at over 5,000 gateway airports — without requiring any scenery modifications.

Background

  • Developer: hotbso (also developer of openSAM and the Better Pushback Mod fork)
  • Repository: github.com/hotbso/AutoDGS (open source; code LGPL-2.1, 3D objects/textures CC-BY, Safedock-T2-24 VDGS CC BY-NC-SA)
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (native binaries)
  • Compatibility: X-Plane 11 and 12 — but on X-Plane 12 the maintained path is openSAM v5.x, into which AutoDGS has been merged. The standalone AutoDGS is the legacy line (XP11 via the frozen 4.x release)

Deprecated — merged into openSAM

AutoDGS functionality has been folded into openSAM v5.x. The standalone plugin is deprecated and no longer supported (support is Discord-only). On X-Plane 12, openSAM v5.x replaces standalone AutoDGS.

The plugin is standalone and does not require any other plugins.

Features

  • Automatic DGS: Activates after landing and searches for suitable stands in taxi direction
  • Two DGS types: Animated marshaller (ground crew) or electronic VDGS (Safedock-style with azimuth and distance guidance)
  • Preselect mode: Manual stand selection while on the ground
  • SimBrief integration: Displays flight number, destination, and timing data on the VDGS (requires the optional simbrief_hub plugin)
  • Jetway docking: Automatic X-Plane 12 jetway animation on arrival
  • Per-airport configuration: GUI settings are saved locally

Value in Flight Simulation

Default airports without custom scenery have no docking guidance system. AutoDGS fills this gap by providing a VDGS or marshaller at every gateway airport with a tower and stands. On X-Plane 12 this functionality now lives in openSAM v5.x, which covers both default/gateway airports and SAM-enabled custom sceneries from a single plugin. The earlier model of running standalone AutoDGS in parallel with openSAM — with AutoDGS skipping airports that have a sam.xml — is legacy.

Installation

Download: GitHub Releases

Extract the ZIP file to Resources/plugins/. This creates the AutoDGS/ folder with the Linux binary at lin_x64/AutoDGS.xpl.

No additional system packages are required. There are no known Linux-specific issues. Automatic updates via the SkunkCrafts Updater are supported.

Sources