This project shows how to scan WiFi from Python using command line tools or pyobjc (macOS).

Scapy dot11 is an alternative, more robust cross-platform way to scan WiFi than demonstrated here.

Discontinuation of Mozilla Location Services API. is sad as it worked so well!

This project can be used as a reference for simply accessing WiFi information from Python without using Scapy.

A future direction might be to use Google Geolocation API

Uses command line access to WiFi information from Python. The command line programs used to access WiFi information include:

• Linux: nmcli NetworkManager
• MacOS: CoreLocation.CWWiFiClient or for macOS < 14.4 airport
• Windows: netsh

Get latest release

pip install mozloc

or for latest development version:

git clone /~https://github.com/scivision/mozilla-location-wifi/
pip install -e ./mozilla-location-wifi

python -m mozloc

Shows time lat lng accuracy N BSSIDs heard.

When Mozilla Location Services were available, accuracy better than 100 meters was possible.

Dump raw signals, without using API:

python -m mozloc --dump

macOS ≥ 14.4 uses CoreLocation.CWWiFiClient as "airport" was removed.

On Windows, NetSH is used. You may need to disconnect from WiFi (leave WiFi enabled) to make your WiFi chipset scan and be able to get location.

Display logged data in Google Earth or other KML viewer after converting from CSV to KML:

python -m mozloc.csv2kml in.log out.kml

which uses

pip install simplekml

Note that your time MUST be in ISO 8601 format or some KML reading programs such as Google Earth will just show a blank file. E.g.

2016-07-24T12:34:56

• Would like to add Bluetooth beacons.
• Need to use a new location service.

• Inspired by
• Alternative using Skyhook and geoclue
• Raspberry Pi NetworkManager

To print verbose information about nearby WiFi:

• Windows: netsh wlan show networks mode=bssid
• MacOS: airport -s
• Linux: nmcli dev wifi list