LoRa Mapper
Signal strength survey

Guide

How to run a survey

Simple steps for collecting signal strength points, even with weak/no internet in the field.

Back to map

Step 1: Put the base on the map

  1. Go to 1 · Base.
  2. Tap/click on the map where the base device sits.
  3. Press Save base.
Tip: base ID usually is b1.

Step 2: Start a session

  1. Go to 2 · Session.
  2. Pick the correct base and set a session name (example: "Campus walk #1").
  3. Press Start session.
Keep this tab open while you walk (optional).

Step 3a: Collect points (Mobile app — recommended)

  1. Open the mobile app.
  2. Go to Survey.
  3. Press Connect Bluetooth and choose LoRaMapper.
  4. Press Start and walk around.
The app stores points locally on the phone — no internet needed during the walk. Upload later from the Upload tab.

Step 3b: Collect points (Website — Bluetooth)

Best for Android Chrome over HTTPS. iOS Safari does not support Web Bluetooth.

  1. Go to 3 · Survey and choose Bluetooth.
  2. Connect to LoRaMapper.
  3. Press Start walking.
Requires HTTPS and Chrome on Android. If GPS/Bluetooth is blocked, use the mobile app instead.

Step 3c: Collect points (Website — MQTT)

Use this for iPhones or any browser that does not support Web Bluetooth. The mapper sends signal strength over Wi‑Fi (MQTT) instead of Bluetooth.

  1. On your phone, turn on Mobile Hotspot with:
    SSID: bruh
    Password: megabruh
  2. Make sure the mapper ESP32 is flashed with Wi‑Fi credentials set to SSID bruh / password megabruh. It will connect to your hotspot automatically.
  3. On the same phone, open 3 · Survey and choose MQTT.
  4. Press Subscribe MQTT, then Start walking.
The mapper publishes RSSI over your hotspot → HiveMQ broker → your phone subscribes via WebSocket. Both devices use your phone's internet.

Step 4: View results

  1. Open the Live map.
  2. Points appear as coloured dots (green = strong, amber = fair, red = weak).
  3. Filter by base or session using the dropdowns.

Managing points (CSV on Session page)

You can export, import, and delete points from any session.

Go to Sessions → use:
  • Download CSV — exports all points for that session.
  • Upload CSV — imports points back (file must match the downloaded CSV format).
  • Delete points — removes all points for that session.

Quick summary: which mode to use?

SituationUse
Android phone, no internet during walkMobile app (Bluetooth, offline queue)
Android phone, has internetWebsite Bluetooth or Mobile app
iPhone (iOS)Website MQTT (turn on hotspot: bruh / megabruh)
Any phone, mapper has Wi‑FiWebsite MQTT