RETIRED: Mozilla Location Services from Python

This project is RETIRED due to discontinuation of Mozilla Location Services. It worked so well, sorry to see it go!

This project can nonetheless be used as a reference for accessing WiFi information from Python.

A future direction might be to use Google Geolocation API

Uses command line access to WiFi information via Mozilla Location Services API from Python. The command line programs used to access WiFi information include:

• Linux: nmcli NetworkManager
• MacOS: CoreLocation.CWWiFiClient or for macOS < 14.4 airport
• Windows: netsh

Install

Get latest release

pip install mozloc

or for latest development version:

git clone https://github.com/scivision/mozilla-location-wifi/
pip install -e ./mozilla-location-wifi

Usage

python -m mozloc

Shows time lat lng accuracy N BSSIDs heard. In urban areas, accuracy of less than 100 meters is possible.

dump raw signals, without using API:

python -m mozloc --dump

macOS

macOS ≥ 14.4 uses CoreLocation.CWWiFiClient as "airport" was removed.

Windows

On Windows, NetSH is used. You may need to disconnect from WiFi (leave WiFi enabled) to make your WiFi chipset scan and be able to get location.

convert to KML

Display logged data in Google Earth or other KML viewer after converting from CSV to KML:

python -m mozloc.csv2kml in.log out.kml

which uses

pip install simplekml

Note that your time MUST be in ISO 8601 format or some KML reading programs such as Google Earth will just show a blank file. E.g.

2016-07-24T12:34:56

TODO

Would like to add Bluetooth beacons. Need to use a new location service.

Notes

• Inspired by
• Alternative using Skyhook and geoclue
• Raspberry Pi NetworkManager

To print verbose information about nearby WiFi:

• Windows: netsh wlan show networks mode=bssid
• MacOS: airport -s
• Linux: nmcli dev wifi list