Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post Reply
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

andrew, I happenned across an autoIT script that generates circles for google earth in the Techidiots site.
http://www.techidiots.net/autoit-script ... r.au3/view
Maybe you might be able to import it into Vistumbler.. radius = signal strength?
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
User avatar
ACalcutt
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Posts: 1302
Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2007 6:50 pm
Location: Rutland, MA
Contact:

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by ACalcutt »

Heh...thats an old script of mine ;-)

What are you thinking....an addition to AutoKML that shows the signal strength of each AP live?
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

Well, I don't guess it has to be live, but as an option to the GPS signal strength graph. Instead of the line graph style. Maybe tie radius to estimated signal strength? More intutitive I would think. I tried to post this reply a few hours ago, but I think your server been feeling ill again.
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
User avatar
ACalcutt
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Posts: 1302
Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2007 6:50 pm
Location: Rutland, MA
Contact:

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by ACalcutt »

to have it map the signal strength of the highest gps point shouldn't be to hard.

It would be nice to figure out how to use it to show range. somehow if I could find the gps point the farthest from the highest signal gps point. That would give me the center of the circle (high signal gps point) and a point on the circumference (farthest gps point) to get an estimed signal range

Edit. just putting this here so i don't forget it
http://www.movable-type.co.uk/scripts/latlong.html
Spherical law
of cosines: d = acos(sin(lat1)*sin(lat2)+cos(lat1)*cos(lat2)*cos(long2−long1))*R
R = earth’s radius (mean radius = 6,371km)
User avatar
ACalcutt
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Posts: 1302
Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2007 6:50 pm
Location: Rutland, MA
Contact:

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by ACalcutt »

Here is a test kml using signal strength as the radius of the circle
Attachments
2009-08-04 12-58-30.kml
(6.85 MiB) Downloaded 776 times
User avatar
ACalcutt
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Posts: 1302
Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2007 6:50 pm
Location: Rutland, MA
Contact:

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by ACalcutt »

Here is a test kml using highest range as the radius of the circle
Attachments
range_circlemap.kmz
(3.98 MiB) Downloaded 686 times
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

Yeay, I did the rnage thing manually.. I used my 'benchmark' AP Southern States Coop (ssid=SSCOOP) and since I know where that AP lives, I was able to use your Circle script. I will look over your posted KMLs.
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

I like both solutions, Andrew.. But I think I like Highest strength better. Could be as an option for either one?
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

Was watching Fresh Prince of Bel Aire this morning on TVland and mulling over the Circular Signal strength code.
I think what I was really looking to do is be able to take a signal and generate a circular plot giving an idea of the location of a given Ap on that circle. Theoretically, If one has three positions where the AP is detected then the AP would be located where the signal circles would intersect or overlap. So perhaps the radius of the circle would be best set as teh inverse of the detected signal strength. All things being equal, The further away an AP , the weaker the detected strength.

What you have done with both 'flavors' of circular signal strength so far is wonderful...

Could you post a 'patch' or a 'pre-beta' update so I can test what you have so far??


I had lots of fun reviewing the KMLs you posted. And Actually, the Signal Circles were really helpful in helping ID'ing the AP locations.
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

Here is a screen cap using both the test KMLs.
Orange circle is from the Range KML
the Blue is from Signal Strength KML

Test Ap is a Linksys with MAC ending 47:CB

As you can see, using signal strength as the variable for circle radius leaves a high level of uncertanty as to the location of Ap Linksys mac 47:CB Could be one of 6-7 homes.

Using the Range , the number of possible locations can be reduced to 4 homes.

I think that with 2 more drives along the side streets, It is Very Possible to use circular trianguation to locate the exact source of Linksys 47:CB transmissions.

Oh Aside.. Mass. looks Beautiful

Mystic
Attachments
test circles
test circles
Test Circles.jpg (117.36 KiB) Viewed 34143 times
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
User avatar
ACalcutt
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Posts: 1302
Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2007 6:50 pm
Location: Rutland, MA
Contact:

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by ACalcutt »

Check the beta update (v9.8 Beta 1). I implemented a rough version of this in the Export to kml options.

Availible through auto update or through the svn (http://vistumbler.svn.sourceforge.net/v ... athrev=454)
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

'K Thks Bai
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
User avatar
ACalcutt
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Posts: 1302
Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2007 6:50 pm
Location: Rutland, MA
Contact:

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by ACalcutt »

There's still some kinks to work out. Like in this image the center is being considered the place with the lowest signal.

Something that would cause this now would be is the number of satellites dropped after the first signal reading. Right now I am checking number of satellites first, then AP signal strength. I may need to reverse it so that i check signal strength first, then number of satellites.
Attachments
center_error.JPG
center_error.JPG (154.38 KiB) Viewed 34130 times
Freebe
DIY Contributor
DIY Contributor
Posts: 91
Joined: Fri Oct 17, 2008 2:40 am

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by Freebe »

@Andrew

Can i put my 4 eggs in :wink: I like the one you did with the 2 circle(s) but the strongest should be Green and the outer one Orange ( or Red )
Is this Possible :?:
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

Yes Freebe, is a little complicated to explain but easier to show.
In google earth, right click on the AP signal strength then select properties then under second tab click on select color.
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

@ andrew.. I noticed those gaps in the signal strength as well. I just figgured that the detected signal was below a lower limit.

@ Freebe... Oh I just arbritarily selected colors in the GPS signal strength properties so that I could see better. No dependacy on strengths.
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

@ Andrew.. Yes I think SS first then Coords would be better. Intutitve.
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
User avatar
ACalcutt
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Posts: 1302
Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2007 6:50 pm
Location: Rutland, MA
Contact:

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by ACalcutt »

Freebe wrote:@Andrew

Can i put my 4 eggs in :wink: I like the one you did with the 2 circle(s) but the strongest should be Green and the outer one Orange ( or Red )
Is this Possible :?:
What i really want to do is make a better "Export to KML" screen that has more options

The options I have considered so far -
-Ability to change colors of GPS track, Cicular signal strenth, and GPS Range.
-Ability to change the structure of the kml file. Right now the structure is basically (Feature -> Network type --> AP Name). I would like to add a way to do (AP Name -> Feature) or (Network type -> AP Name -> Feature)
-Type of signal map (circular or line height)
User avatar
ACalcutt
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Posts: 1302
Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2007 6:50 pm
Location: Rutland, MA
Contact:

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by ACalcutt »

mysticvirgo67 wrote:@ Andrew.. Yes I think SS first then Coords would be better. Intutitve.
The original reason I used number of satellites first was in the case that signal was really high but the gps had a bad quality fix it would not lock the AP to that bad location. I'll have to see what works better.
Freebe
DIY Contributor
DIY Contributor
Posts: 91
Joined: Fri Oct 17, 2008 2:40 am

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by Freebe »

:D When your back is against the wall you can always work better :D

Keep at it. :wink:
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

Imagine what could be done with a loaded weapon pointed at you ROFL
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
User avatar
ACalcutt
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Posts: 1302
Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2007 6:50 pm
Location: Rutland, MA
Contact:

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by ACalcutt »

I would imagine LESS would get done with a loaded weapon pointed at me...I've seen how much my typing skills drop just from the stress of someone watching over my shoulders....I can imagine what the stress from a gun would do.
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

would it help if I took the bullets out???
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
User avatar
ACalcutt
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Posts: 1302
Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2007 6:50 pm
Location: Rutland, MA
Contact:

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by ACalcutt »

it depends....do I know the bullets are out....and...are you looking over my shoulder while pointing the gun at me...
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

LOL...
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
User avatar
ACalcutt
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Vistumbler / TechIdiots Admin
Posts: 1302
Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2007 6:50 pm
Location: Rutland, MA
Contact:

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by ACalcutt »

I'm guessing I have to fear being pistol whipped(mmm pistol whip) if there are no bullets ;-)
mysticvirgo67
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Mad Poster / Moderator / Promoter
Posts: 424
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:52 pm

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by mysticvirgo67 »

or a BB lodged in your skin LOL'
"People don't need restore. They just need recovery...and the occasional hard boot"
"The maximum acceleration of a PC is limited only by the amount of explosives used"
User avatar
pferland
Contributor
Contributor
Posts: 406
Joined: Mon Oct 22, 2007 8:38 am
Location: The Universe
Contact:

Re: Circular Signal Strength for KML

Post by pferland »

what about a little red laser dot on your forehead?
The best acceleration you can get on a Mac is 9.8ms^2
Post Reply