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MeshCore Wardrive

An Android app for wardriving and mapping MeshCore mesh network coverage. This app replicates the functionality of mesh-map.pages.dev with reliable GPS location tracking on Android devices.

Features

  • Persistent GPS Tracking: Continuously tracks your location while wardriving, solving the location tracking issues in mobile browsers
  • Coverage Visualization: Automatically aggregates GPS samples into coverage areas using geohash
  • Interactive Map: OpenStreetMap-based map with zoom, pan, and layer controls
  • Color Modes:
    • Quality mode: Colors based on sample density
    • Age mode: Colors based on data freshness
  • Data Export: Export collected samples as JSON for sharing or uploading
  • Local Storage: All data stored locally using SQLite database
  • Battery Efficient: Configurable location update intervals

Installation

Prerequisites

  • Flutter SDK installed
  • Android device or emulator
  • Android SDK with API level 21 or higher

Build and Install

cd meshcore_wardrive
flutter pub get
flutter build apk
flutter install

Or to run directly:

flutter run

Usage

  1. Start Tracking: Tap the green play button to start GPS tracking

    • The app will request location permissions on first use
    • Grant "Allow all the time" for background tracking

  2. View Coverage: As you move, the app automatically:

    • Collects GPS samples every 5 meters
    • Aggregates samples into coverage rectangles
    • Colors areas based on signal quality or data age

  3. Map Controls:

    • Pinch to zoom
    • Drag to pan
    • Tap location button to center on current position
    • Tap settings icon to adjust display options

  4. Export Data: Tap "Export" to save collected samples as JSON

    • Files are saved to the app's external storage directory
    • Can be uploaded to MeshCore servers or shared

  5. Clear Data: Tap "Clear" to delete all collected samples

Settings

Access settings via the gear icon:

  • Show Samples: Display individual GPS sample points
  • Show Edges: Display connections between coverage areas and repeaters
  • Color Mode: Switch between quality and age-based coloring

Technical Details

Data Structure

Sample: Individual GPS point

  • ID: Timestamp + geohash
  • Position: Latitude/longitude
  • Timestamp: Collection time
  • Geohash: 8-character precision geohash

Coverage: Aggregated coverage area

  • ID: 6-character geohash
  • Received count: Number of samples
  • Last received: Most recent sample timestamp
  • Repeaters: Associated repeater IDs

Geohash Precision

  • Sample precision: 8 characters (~19m × 19m)
  • Coverage precision: 6 characters (~0.61km × 1.22km)

Location Settings

  • Accuracy: High (GPS)
  • Distance filter: 5 meters
  • Update frequency: Continuous while tracking

Permissions

The app requires:

  • ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION: High-accuracy GPS tracking
  • ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION: Network-based location
  • ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION: Tracking while app is in background
  • INTERNET: Download map tiles
  • WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE: Export data files

Troubleshooting

Location not updating

  • Ensure location services are enabled on your device
  • Grant all location permissions to the app
  • Check that GPS has a clear view of the sky

Map not loading

  • Check internet connection
  • Ensure INTERNET permission is granted

Export fails

  • Grant storage permissions
  • Check available storage space

Project Structure

lib/
├── models/          # Data models (Sample, Coverage, Repeater)
├── services/        # Business logic (Location, Database, Aggregation)
├── utils/           # Utilities (Geohash, Distance calculations)
├── screens/         # UI screens (Map screen)
└── main.dart        # App entry point

Credits

Based on the mesh-map.pages.dev web application by Kyle Reed for MeshCore coverage mapping.

License

MIT License