Access to wireless Internet connection is practically a must these days. That’s why the iconic CCTV building in China even went through a year-long retrofit to improve Wi-Fi signals for building occupants.
One application is stepping into the direction of Wi-Fi signal visualization. Called Architecture of Radio, the app has been described by Teche Blog as “one of the coolest apps [we've] come across in recent time.”
Users are able to see a 360-degree illustration of Wi-Fi signals around them based on data from seven million cell towers, 19 million Wi-Fi routers, and hundreds of satellites.
The application was created by software developer Richard Vijgen, and can plot not just wireless, but also wired network signals. The catch: signals are not shown in real time, but from a database. In other words, the app “gives you a pretty good idea of the density of digital signals around you, but it won’t tell you where to move the couch to get a better WiFi signal,” the app description says.
"The purpose of this app is to make the invisible visible so we can look at it, think about it, and discuss it," Vijgen told Teche Blog.
Released on the Apple App Store on Nov. 17, the application currently has 2.5 stars from 116 ratings.
“Definitely a cool concept with a relatively intuitive interface. The main problem is in all the unidentified cell towers,” writes reviewer Mistergizmo. “Since the app works off a database rather than real-time signals, this should be fixable, which I'm sure it will be, at which point I'll increase the number of stars. But in the meantime, it's certainly a fun app.”
Related Stories
Big Data | May 5, 2016
Demand for data integration technologies for buildings is expected to soar over the next decade
A Navigant Research report takes a deeper dive to examine where demand will be strongest by region and building type.
BIM and Information Technology | May 2, 2016
How HDR used computational design tools to create Omaha's UNO Baxter Arena
Three years after writing a white paper about designing an arena for the University of Nebraska Omaha, HDR's Matt Goldsberry says it's time to cherry-pick the best problem-solving workflows.
Drones | Apr 25, 2016
The Tremco SkyBEAM UAV is the first to be approved by the FAA for nighttime commercial operation
The SkyBEAM UAV is used for identifying energy leaks, rooftop damage, deteriorating façades, and safety issues without requiring scaffolding or cranes.
BIM and Information Technology | Apr 21, 2016
U.K. imposes BIM requirement on government projects
U.S. unlikely to follow suit.
AEC Tech | Apr 15, 2016
Should architects learn to code?
Even if learning to code does not personally interest you, the growing demand for having these capabilities in an architectural business cannot be overlooked, writes computational design expert Nathan Miller.
Building Tech | Apr 12, 2016
Should we be worried about a tech slowdown?
Is the U.S. in an innovative funk, or is this just the calm before the storm?
BIM and Information Technology | Apr 8, 2016
Turner streamlines construction progress tracking using predictive visual data analytics
The construction giant teams with a computer science and engineering professor to develop a clever drone- and rover-based construction monitoring tool.
BIM and Information Technology | Apr 5, 2016
Interactive 3D map shows present and future Miami skyline
The Downtown Miami Interactive 3-D Skyline Map lets users see the status of every downtown office, retail, residential, and hotel project.
AEC Tech | Mar 31, 2016
Deep Learning + AI: How machines are becoming master problem solvers
Besides revolutionary changes to the world’s workforce, artificial intelligence could have a profound impact on the built environment and the AEC industry.
Big Data | Mar 28, 2016
Predictive analytics: How design firms can benefit from using data to find patterns, trends, and relationships
Branden Collingsworth, HDR’s new Director of Predictive Analytics, clarifies what his team does and how architecture projects can benefit from predictive analytics.