Mappoint + Netstumbler + RoadRunner?

kiltjim · 07-04-2005, 01:03 PM

I am trying out RR, and really like what it does with Mappoint. However, I really like Netstumbler's master script because it allows me to wardrive and to have some sort of navigation software at the same time.

So, is there a way that I can use both Netstumbler and RoadRunner at the same time, using the same instance of Mappoint?

Here's what I was hoping to do (for those familiar with the script in question):
Use a port replicating program and both NS, and RR would have GPS.
Use mappoint, but turn off position tracking.
NS would then plot the found APs.
RR would be responsible for tracking me, and handling the directions.

Or even better, have Road runner just read the information coming off of Netstumbler and not even bother with a script in the middle.

Laidback · 07-04-2005, 03:45 PM

Have you tried it? It may work anyway. Embed NetStumbler, start MapPoint then start NetStumbler and the script should look for an instance of MapPoint already running and do it's stuff....

kiltjim · 07-05-2005, 12:37 AM

Nope, tried it, and it doesn't see Mappoint running. Might this be because MapPoint is running embedded too? It launches its own instance of MapPoint. And then says that the com port is unavailable. Go figure...

guino · 07-05-2005, 01:21 AM

If there's any kind of SDK/API that Netstmbler provides with information on found networks, I can give it a try -- I've never used netstumbler... so you'd have to tell me exactly what you're trying to do other than just show hotspots on the map..

kiltjim · 07-05-2005, 12:09 PM

Thats all I am trying to do. I just want the hotspots to show up as I drive. If I was interested in any of the other stuff that NS can do, I could always stop, and bring up NS screen.

So how can I get the instance of mappoint that is running to be seen by Netstumbler? Or is there another way around this? Like having Roadrunner read the NS1 file? Like the script in reverse?

guino · 07-05-2005, 12:46 PM

if this NS1 file has the GPS locations for the hotspots I can easily load it when it changes then draw the pushpins in mappoint.. other than that, I'd have to get some SDK/API from netstumbler to be able to draw it... I do not believe I can "share" mappoint with any other applications because it is simply a control in RR, plus I'd have to know how NS is looking for it..

kiltjim · 07-05-2005, 11:32 PM

Excellent. Here's what I found. I know the NS1 file has the GPS coordinates for each AP, and a ton of other stuff.

Here's what I found: http://www.stumbler.net/ns1files.html

Along with the coordinates, it also contains the strength, the name, and some other stuff. If it is possible to add the APs to the map in realtime, could they be added as a POI something like a restaurant? The name of the AP, with strength and encryption displayed like the address and phone number?

(By the way, drove home from work tonight, and used the routing feature for the first time. Incredible!)

kiltjim · 07-05-2005, 11:37 PM

Tomorrow I will take a quick drive around my house and find some APs and make a new clean NS1 file, that way you will have something to play with if you need it.

Would that help?

guino · 07-05-2005, 11:59 PM

That's pretty decent info... I was exactly going to ask you for a sample ns1 file.. I have to see about how I can display on the map -- I know I can display a Pushpin on the location, but not sure about text etc, besides, there may be a lot of them close together (which could cover a lot of map) ... hopefully an icon that when clicked shows the info would be the best thing.. I don't believe it is possible to "search" or display those on the routing screens -- it should be possible to make them accessible through a "favorites-like" screen.. this is all speculation right now.. I need to look at that ns1 file to see how feaseble this actually is..

kiltjim · 07-06-2005, 12:08 AM

I wasn't hoping to search them, or even have them there all the time. I was just thinking that if they were a POI like a restaurant, or gas station, I could go into that menu that lets me select them, and show just APs, or ignore them depending whether I am driving to work, or wardriving.

Speaking of, can I change these options in RR? Or do I have to open MapPoint, and change it there? (Completely unrelated, I know...)

guino · 07-06-2005, 12:31 AM

I generally suggest leaving all POI types checked ON.. then search in RR.. but you can uncheck what you don't want to view in Mappoint and RR won't search through them... but this MUST be done in Mappoint.. there're way too many Mappoint screens already to be adding another one just for this..

kiltjim · 07-06-2005, 01:19 PM

Alright. I have a pretty succinct NS1 file with a good sampling of what is possible (encrypted and non-encrypted.) It always surprises me how many people have wireless internet on my street.

PM me with your email, I'd rather not post it here, since you could easily find me house, and it does contain peoples APs.

Nevermind, found it. Email sent.

Laidback · 07-06-2005, 02:59 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by guino

That's pretty decent info... I was exactly going to ask you for a sample ns1 file.. I have to see about how I can display on the map -- I know I can display a Pushpin on the location, but not sure about text etc, besides, there may be a lot of them close together (which could cover a lot of map) ... hopefully an icon that when clicked shows the info would be the best thing.. I don't believe it is possible to "search" or display those on the routing screens -- it should be possible to make them accessible through a "favorites-like" screen.. this is all speculation right now.. I need to look at that ns1 file to see how feaseble this actually is..

Guino, you should take a look at the NetStumbler script that was being used. Basically it was plotting your position as a pushpin and the found AP's as another pushpin set and you only got the extra text when you clicked on the pushpin.

guino · 07-06-2005, 07:16 PM

I got the NS1 file .. I'm just going to look over it to see if the data is organized according to the specifications and if so, shoudn't be to hard to make something out of it..

guino · 07-06-2005, 08:30 PM

after playing around a bit with this, I am sorry to say that the NS1 file I have does NOT contain any GPS location information in it.. it only has names of APs and signal/noise information on them along with times... all the GPS fields are blank (zero)..

I even started making code to read the file, but without a valid NS1 file with GPS locations I can't proceed... can you make another file and verify it has the GPS locs in it ?? I'm asking this because I know that if I have to go and install netstumbler in my car then make the file myself, this feature will be very much pushed down in priority on my to-do list...