Mapping wireless networks - SSID WLAN(D)SCAPE

The paper introduces the SSID WLAN(D)SCAPE project, an open source framework dedicated to promoting the development and availability of wireless networks and attached services through gathering, networking, and publishing data valuable for customers, service providers, education and research. The distributed client-server application basically combines wireless networks, topographical visualization, mapping services, a geo-tracking and navigation system, as well as location based services. The paper provides a brief introduction into the sociology of wireless networks, businesses and applications. Existing technologies and solutions are analyzed, advantages and disadvantages documented and a system and network overview of our application is provided. Furthermore the next features of WLAN(D)SCAPE are presented, offering an outlook into the future of wireless networks, and discussing the implications of such landscapes.