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Upload to Databases

Network Survey can upload cellular and Wi-Fi survey data to public crowdsourced databases. Contributing helps improve coverage maps and location services worldwide.

Supported Databases

Section titled “Supported Databases”

OpenCelliD (Cellular)

Section titled “OpenCelliD (Cellular)”

What it is:

  • Largest open database of cellular towers
  • Crowdsourced community data

Website: opencellid.org

Privacy Policy: opencellid.org/privacy.php

What you contribute:

  • Cell tower survey data

BeaconDB (Cellular and Wi-Fi)

Section titled “BeaconDB (Cellular and Wi-Fi)”

What it is:

  • Crowdsourced Wi-Fi and cellular database
  • Used for network based location services
  • Similar to Google/Apple Wi-Fi databases
  • Open community project

Privacy Policy: beacondb.net/privacy

What you contribute:

  • Cell tower survey data
  • Wi-Fi survey data

How Upload Works

Section titled “How Upload Works”

Independent Collection:

  • Upload operates separately from other surveys
  • Has its own start/stop controls
  • Uses the same survey engine (i.e., does not consume extra battery if running other surveys already)
  • Doesn’t affect local logging or streaming

Upload Process:

  1. Start survey on dashboard
  2. Network Survey collects cellular/Wi-Fi data
  3. Drive or walk around to gather data
  4. Data queued for upload
  5. Tap “Upload Records” button to open upload dialog
  6. Choose which services to upload to (OpenCelliD and/or BeaconDB)
  7. Tap “Upload” to begin

Batch Processing:

  • Records are uploaded in batches for efficient transfer
  • Upload progress is displayed in real-time
  • Upload status and completion notifications shown on dashboard
  • Automatic retry handling if errors occur (e.g., no internet connection)

What Data is Uploaded

Section titled “What Data is Uploaded”

When you upload records, the following specific data fields are included:

Device Location:

  • Latitude
  • Longitude
  • Altitude
  • GPS accuracy
  • Speed

Cellular Data:

  • MCC (Mobile Country Code)
  • MNC (Mobile Network Code)
  • Cell ID
  • Signal strength
  • Timing advance
  • Network type (LTE, 5G NR, UMTS, etc.)

Wi-Fi Data:

  • BSSID (MAC address)
  • Signal strength (RSSI)
  • Channel
  • Frequency
  • Encryption type

Metadata:

  • Timestamp of when the data was recorded

What’s NOT Included:

  • No personally identifiable information (PII)
  • No device IMEI or serial numbers
  • No phone numbers
  • No user account information
  • No call or SMS data

Record Filtering

Section titled “Record Filtering”

Network Survey automatically filters which records are saved for upload to ensure high-quality data contributions.

Movement Threshold:

  • Device must move at least 35 meters between records
  • Prevents duplicate/stationary data points
  • Encourages drive tests and walking surveys
  • Stationary surveys won’t generate upload records

Location Accuracy Requirement:

  • GPS accuracy must be 100 meters or less
  • Records with poor GPS accuracy are excluded
  • Ensures reliable geolocation data
  • Poor indoor GPS typically filtered out

This explains why:

  • Indoor surveys rarely generate upload records (poor GPS accuracy)
  • Sitting in one location doesn’t create uploadable data (no movement)
  • Drive tests and outdoor walking generate the best upload data

Privacy and Anonymization

Section titled “Privacy and Anonymization”

What’s NOT Sent:

  • Your personal information
  • Device IMEI/serial
  • Phone numbers
  • Call/SMS data

You Control:

  • When to upload (manual process)
  • What technologies to upload
  • Upload happens only when you trigger it

Setting Up Upload

Section titled “Setting Up Upload”

OpenCelliD API Key (Optional)

Section titled “OpenCelliD API Key (Optional)”

OpenCelliD supports both anonymous and authenticated uploads. You can choose which approach works best for you.

Anonymous Upload (Default):

  • No API key needed
  • No account required
  • Can upload immediately
  • No contribution tracking

Authenticated Upload (Recommended):

If you want to track your contributions:

  1. Create account at opencellid.org
  2. Get API key from account dashboard
  3. In Network Survey: Settings → Upload → OpenCelliD API Key
  4. Paste API key
  5. Save

Benefits of API Key:

  • Contribute under your account
  • Track your contributions
  • API access for other projects
  • Recognition for your data

BeaconDB

Section titled “BeaconDB”

No account needed:

  • Upload directly to BeaconDB
  • Anonymous contribution
  • No API key required

Upload Best Practices

Section titled “Upload Best Practices”

For Best Results:

  • Survey in areas with GPS lock (outdoor)
  • Wait for good GPS accuracy (< 20m)
  • Let survey run for 30+ minutes
  • Upload from Wi-Fi (faster, no data charges)

What Makes Good Data:

  • Accurate GPS coordinates
  • Strong signal measurements
  • Diverse locations
  • Multiple observations per tower

Avoid:

  • Indoor surveys (poor GPS)
  • Stationary surveys (one location only)
  • Poor GPS accuracy (> 50m)
  • Airplane mode (no cellular data)

Contribution Impact

Section titled “Contribution Impact”

Why contribute?

  • Improve location services globally
  • Support open data movement
  • Improve coverage in your area

Your data helps:

  • Network-based location services
  • Network coverage maps

Database uses:

  • Location-based services
  • Network planning tools
  • Research projects
Section titled “Related”