↓ How to Wardrive
πŸ—ΊοΈ Open Full Map on MeshMapper β†—

How to wardrive with MeshMapper

This map only shows what's actually been measured. The more people who wardrive, the more accurate β€” and complete β€” it gets.

Use an external antenna. Before you can send a single ping, MeshMapper makes you answer "External Antenna?" β€” and it matters. If your radio is sitting in a cupholder or a bag, the metal and glass around it swallow your signal and the coverage data collected will be misleadingly bad. Mount your antenna outside the vehicle (a mag-mount on the roof works great) or somewhere with a clear, unobstructed path to the sky before you start.
1

Get the MeshMapper app

Download it from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).

2

Connect your radio

Open the Connect tab, make sure your MeshCore device is powered on nearby, and tap "Scan for Devices." Select your radio β€” the app runs through a short connection sequence and syncs your device's clock automatically.

3

Set your antenna answer, every time

On the Map tab, answer "External Antenna?" β€” Yes if it has a clear shot to the sky, No if it's obstructed by a vehicle roof, a bag, or walls. You can't send a ping until this is set.

4

Start Hybrid Mode

Tap the Hybrid Mode button in the Controls panel β€” it's the recommended default and alternates between channel messages and discovery requests as you move, building the richest coverage picture with the least mesh traffic.

5

Drive, walk, or bike your route

Just move through the area β€” the app pings automatically at set intervals (with a minimum distance between pings) and pauses when you're stationary. No need to touch anything else.

6

Let it upload

Pings queue up and upload to MeshMapper automatically in the background. Give it some time, then check back on this map β€” your route should start filling in with coverage data.

Want to help but not sure where coverage is thin? Ask on Discord β€” we can point you toward routes that would help the most.