mozloc 1.5.0

Using Mozilla Location services, log location vs. time using WiFi or convert to KML.

Mozilla Location Services from Python

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: airport built into MacOS
• Windows: netsh

Note that a similar service with better accuracy is available from Google.

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.signal

macOS

On macOS, much more accurate results come by running as root by using sudo. This is because "airport" only emits BSSID if running with sudo.

Possible future implementation could use CoreWLAN.

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.

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

Raspberry Pi 3 / 4 / Zero W

Debian comes without NetworkManager by default. Thus we recommend using Ubuntu or similar on the Raspberry Pi with this program.

If you do use Debian with the procedure below, you lose Wifi password and stored WiFi networks.

1. Install network manager and remove the old

   apt install network-manager
   apt purge dhcpcd5
   

2. Reboot and try

   nmcli dev wifi list
   

   you should see several wifi access points and signal.
3. try the MLS geolocation program above.