Uncovering the Best openBmap Alternatives for Cell Tower and Wi-Fi Mapping
For those invested in understanding the landscape of wireless networks, openBmap (formerly openbmap.org) has been a valuable resource since 2009. This community-driven project has meticulously collected millions of cell tower and Wi-Fi base station locations, making the data freely available for everything from geolocation services to scientific analysis. However, like with any specialized software, users often seek openBmap alternatives to explore different features, platforms, or community approaches. This article delves into some of the top contenders that offer similar, and sometimes unique, capabilities for mapping and analyzing wireless infrastructure.
Top openBmap Alternatives
Whether you're a wardriver, a developer seeking location APIs, or simply curious about network coverage, these alternatives provide robust solutions for your wireless mapping needs. Each offers a unique blend of features and community engagement.
OpenSignal
OpenSignal is a popular openBmap alternative that allows users to map cellular coverage, discover Wi-Fi hotspots, and test their network reception to improve data speeds. It's available on Free, Web, Android, and iPhone platforms, making it highly accessible for a broad range of users interested in network performance and coverage.
wigle.net
WiGLE (Wireless Geographic Logging Engine) stands out as a powerful open-source openBmap alternative, consolidating wireless network locations worldwide into a central database. With user-friendly Java applications, WiGLE supports Free, Open Source, Linux, Web, Android, and iPad platforms, offering a robust solution for wardriving and extensive network data collection.
Tower Collector
Tower Collector is an excellent open-source Android app designed to collect GPS locations of GSM/UMTS/LTE/CDMA cell towers and contribute them to the OpenCellID.org database. This makes it a direct and valuable openBmap alternative, focusing on mapping the extent of mobile phone networks and contributing to a shared, open database.
OpenCellID
OpenCellID itself is a collaborative, open-source project that serves as a core openBmap alternative by creating a free, worldwide database of Cell IDs and their corresponding location area identity. Available on Free and Web platforms, it's a foundational resource for anyone seeking comprehensive cell tower location data.
inViu OpenCellID
As a specialized Android application, inViu OpenCellID collects GPS coordinates of GSM cell towers specifically for the OpenCellID project. It's a highly relevant openBmap alternative for users who want to automatically or manually send collected data to the OpenCellID servers, directly contributing to the global cell tower database.
cellumap
Cellumap offers a unique approach to cellular coverage maps, distinguishing itself as an openBmap alternative by creating maps based on user contributions rather than network operators. Available on Free, Web, and Android platforms, it provides a crowd-sourced perspective on network coverage.
Mozilla Stumbler
Mozilla Stumbler is an open-source wireless network scanner that gathers GPS data for the Mozilla Location Service, providing a crowd-sourced location database. As an openBmap alternative, it's available on Free, Open Source, Web, Android, and Android Tablet, offering GPS Location Tracking and location-based features.
Unwired Labs: Location API
Unwired Labs Location API provides a robust solution for locating IoT devices globally using Cell Towers, Wi-Fi, and IP Address data. This freemium openBmap alternative is available on Web, Android, and Android Tablet platforms, making it ideal for developers and businesses needing comprehensive location mapping and geofencing capabilities.
Mylnikov Geo-Location API for mobile towers
Mylnikov Geo-Location API offers a free service that allows users to request coordinate positions of mobile cells worldwide. Supporting Free, Windows, Android, iPhone, Blackberry, and Windows Phone, it's a versatile openBmap alternative for developers and users needing quick and accessible mobile tower location data.
Ultimately, the best openBmap alternative for you will depend on your specific needs, whether you prioritize community contribution, specific platform availability, or advanced features like geolocation APIs. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your wireless mapping and analysis endeavors.