Meshtastic Maps and Mapping Tools

MESHTASTIC NODE MAPS

These are maps which show locations of Meshtastic nodes around the world. These maps do not capture every node as each node needs to set their location and allow the use of the mapping location. Note: These maps are independent and not affiliated with Meshtastic.org.

It's really useful to see on a map if their are any nodes in your area within reach, especially when you are new to Meshtastic.

1. https://meshtastic.liamcottle.net

   Liam Cottle's very comprehensive map of Meshtastic Nodes. This exclusively uses MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) to find nodes.

   To get the full use of Liam's map you connect your node to his own private "upload only" MQTT server this gets you on the map and also shows any public messages your node receives. We have used this to good effect to check what who receives local messages via Meshtastic RF which enables us improve our mesh See blog article this shows you how you can do this too.

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2. https://meshmap.net

   Meshmap by Brian Shea comprehensive map of Meshtastic Nodes. This exclusively uses MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) to find nodes.

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3. https://map.mpowered247.com

   Mpowered247 This map allows "self reporting" with a simple sign-up and allows you to send the coordinate location of your node('s) using your registered profile and security token to prevent abuse.

   This map can also pull node location data via MQTT but you can turn that off in your own profile settings. (also allows you to set a temporary node that is there for a limited time period)

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4. Pole1 Node Plot

   I created my own map of all the nodes received by my Pole1.co.uk node in North Bedford. read how i did it here About Pole1

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USEFUL MAPPING TOOLS FOR MESHTASTIC RADIO

Meshtastic (LoRa) uses the FREE ISM (industrial, scientific, and medical) bands [868Mhz in EU and 915Mhz] At these frequencies and very low power signals you are really looking at line of sight communications so its important to know where your visual line of sight horizons "viewshed" are from your Antennas mounted height.

1. Highest elevation Locations finder (map plot)

   Great tool developed by Pole1.co.uk for finding local highest elevation locations on a map. ideal for finding best places for siting radio receivers and transmitters aerials or finding what high elevations are in your path that you need to get around or over.

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2. Distance to Horizon "Line Of Sight" Calculator

   Simple calculation based on sea level and assumes the Earth is a perfectly smooth sphere whilst in reality its full of contours hills, mountains, valleys trees and buildings. It is however good to show the effects of the curvature of the earth / Horizon distance relative to Antenna height.

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3. Topographic height heatmap map

   A great simple to use map that shows the Topographical terrain (high and low points) in different colours which if you can use to study your local area to see what hills are in the way or an advantage if you have a meshtastic node on top.

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4. Google Earth

   I recommend the Google Earth Pro version that installs on your computer as this has far more comprehensive tool set. You have the ability to to set "place-markers" (pins) point to point paths, measure distances and heights, terrain cross-sections, create your own cluster of nodes on the map and you can import data from other mapping tools.

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5. heywhatsthat.com

   This is an amazing mapping tool, Select the [New panorama] box and enter the location of your meshtastic radio node (you can put your postcode or coordinates then click the map for more precise location), add the "elevation" your height of the base of your antenna. After a while this will work out and create a map profile projection of all the points your Antenna can see including distant horizons. Its basically a projection of where your meshtastic node can be picked up and communicate to. You also have the option to [view in google Earth pro] and it creates a .KMZ file that you import to google earth pro. Its amazing, try it!! You can then re do this for different heights of your antenna to see the increased distance you get by increasing the height of your antenna. There are other tools on this also.

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6. Scadacore rf path Line of Sight

   A simple point A to Point B line of Sight elevation profile tool

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7. GPS Visualizer

   You can upload data from sources like Google Earth and output to other formats.