Deep Inside My Thoughts

Ever since I’ve got this laptop, I’ve been playing around with it. Tonight, I went around driving with my GPS for example, trying to get a few more networks. I have 1759 mapped in Columbus, but only have GPS for around 900 of them. It’s very frustrating.

My task tonight was to figure out how to import Network Stumbler data into Microsoft Streets and Trips 2005. I tried doing this earlier, around 2am. Finally, I found a PERL script that would do the same thing. Unfortunately, my experience with PERL was rather lacking. So after about four hours of playing around, I finally figure out the syntax and got the script to compile.

The results were incredible. It was amazing to see a spatial image of all of the Access Points in Columbus. This map is only about 70% complete also, I’m missing about 600 networks that I don’t have GPS co-ordinates for. But still, it is AWESOME looking at the fruits of your labors for the last few weeks. Now I know where my ‘blind spots’ are and can drive there next. I remember, for example, Candlelight Trailer Park having a good amount of APs that aren’t on the map. It seems I have some more driving to do.

But this map isn’t just made from my actual wardriving. I have been taking this laptop with me when I deliver too. So you can see very good resolution in areas that I frequent, including travel routes. For example, I know both Washington St. and Midway are pretty well mapped, because I travel on them very often. The same goes for most of Central. It seems that I have some very poor neighborhoods to map, as well as some of the more rich ones. I can’t wait to have a complete picture of the 1700 + computer networks found in Columbus. Hopefully, I can break 2,000. That would be roughly 1 wireless network for every 15 people in this town.

I didn’t expect to find this many networks here. I’m still awestruck with the sheer might. This little project has eclipsed beyond my wildest dreams. I want to get a few more people involved with it, and get a map I can be 100% sure of. It would be an interesting article in the otherwise dull newspaper at the very least. I wonder if that would ever happen though. But hey, it’s something to dream about.

I wonder how many other people wardrive in this town. I don’t know of any others that actually do besides Teter and I. And well, Teter is usually with me, since he doesn’t have a laptop. So I guess that just makes me? I’m sure there are others, and it would be interesting to get a hand on some of their data too. Maybe I will find a few people in the Fall when classes start up. Maybe a few of them will even be delivery drivers, I think that would work out well. As you well know, different company’s go different places. If I got someone from Zwanzigs, for example, I could get more of Tipton Lakes. I’m probably going to have to do that one myself though. But hey, I have a reason to be motivated now. I mean, I have maps!

The next task, after I complete the mapping of the remainder of the city, is to convert the data into Google Maps. There is already a PERL script made to convert NetStumbler to Gpoints. All I will have to do is purchase a webserver to show off my hard work. I will take it as an excuse for a personal website I suppose. This blog would be very fitting on its own domain name wouldn’t it? I suppose I’ll have to start looking at hosting packages and dust off Dreamweaver also. So much to do, so little time.

Damn, I’m still smiling from conquering PERL earlier. I have to work in a few hours, so I need to get some shut eye. Until tomorrow!