NeoStumbler

NeoStumbler

Overview

• NeoStumbler is an advanced mobile application meticulously designed for the comprehensive collection and mapping of wireless device locations.

• It transforms your smartphone into a sophisticated sensor, precisely identifying and logging the geographical coordinates of various pervasive radio emitters.

• This includes cellular base stations (cell towers), Wi-Fi access points, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons, serving as an invaluable tool for documenting our connected environments.

Key Features:

1. Data Acquisition Methods:

• Active Wireless Scanning:

+ For maximum accuracy and detailed information, NeoStumbler actively probes its surroundings.

+ This mode performs frequent, thorough scans to capture precise and comprehensive data on nearby wireless devices, including their signal strengths and geographical positions.

+ It's ideal for dedicated, high-quality mapping sessions.

• Passive Background Collection:

+ Prioritizing battery efficiency, the application offers a passive data collection option.

+ When enabled in the settings, it discreetly gathers wireless device information in the background, significantly minimizing power consumption.

+ This mode is perfect for continuous, unobtrusive data logging during daily activities.

2. Data Management & Analysis:

• Ichnaea-Compatible Data Submission:

+ NeoStumbler allows effortless submission of collected data to Ichnaea-compatible geolocation services, such as BeaconDB.

+ This empowers collaborative projects by contributing to large, shared wireless network databases.

• Flexible Data Export Options:

+ For personal analysis, archiving, or integration with external tools, raw data can be exported in widely supported formats.

+ Options include Comma Separated Values (CSV) files for straightforward spreadsheet analysis, or a robust SQLite database for advanced querying and management.

• Interactive Map Visualization:

+ An integrated map dynamically displays the geographical areas where data has been collected.

+ This visual feedback is crucial for tracking progress, identifying coverage gaps, and planning further mapping efforts.

• Discovery Statistics:

+ A dedicated statistics module provides insightful metrics, detailing the total count of unique wireless devices discovered over specific timeframes.

+ This offers a clear, quantifiable understanding of mapping scope and device density.

Core Principles:

NeoStumbler is built upon a foundation of strong user-centric values:

• Open Source: Its public codebase promotes transparency, encourages community contributions, and facilitates continuous improvement.

• Completely Ad-Free: Users enjoy an uninterrupted experience, free from any intrusive advertisements, ensuring a clean and focused interface.

• Respects User Privacy: The application explicitly avoids collecting personal identifying information or tracking user behavior, ensuring a secure and private mapping experience for all users.

FAQ

Q: How does the active scanning mode differ from passive collection?

A: Active scanning is designed for high-precision mapping missions where you want the most detailed data possible by performing frequent and thorough probes of the environment. In contrast, passive background collection is optimized for battery efficiency, allowing the app to discreetly record information during your daily routine without draining your phone’s power.

Q: Can I use this data for my own personal research?

A: Absolutely, you have full control over your collected information. The app provides robust export options, allowing you to save your findings as CSV files for easy spreadsheet analysis or as SQLite databases if you prefer to conduct more complex queries and data management on your own computer.

Q: Is my location data shared with others without my permission?

A: NeoStumbler is built with a deep commitment to user privacy. The application does not track your behavior or collect personal identifying information, and you are in complete control of where your data goes. The app only shares data if you explicitly choose to submit it to Ichnaea-compatible services like BeaconDB.

Version History

v2.3.4——11 May 2026

Application for collecting locations of wireless devices, such as cell towers Download the latest version of NeoStumbler to enjoy new features and updates immediately!

*2.3.4

• Scanning can now be paused when the device is overheating

• Scanning status is shown as "paused" when the active scanner is not collecting data

• Wake locks are released when scanning is paused to reduce battery consumption

• Passive mode now collects data when the active scanner is paused

• Slightly increased transparency for map coverage hexagons in the dark mode

• Added timestamps to the crash log

• Migrated to network security configuration for Android 17 compatibility

• Minor optimizations

• Fixed a crash when the geolocate endpoint returns invalid data

• Updated dependencies

• Updated translations

*2.3.2

• Fixed passive data collection causing a crash when Bluetooth is disabled

• Updated dependencies

• Updated translations

*2.1.9

Minor bug fixes and improvements. Install or update to the newest version to check it out!