FAQ

Do I need a UniFi or Omada controller? No. With a controller, samples are enriched with the AP and signal each client is on. Without one, set the controller to None and HollowMap records position only — the track and the walk, with the AP and signal columns empty. Name the device on the Record screen so the walk is attributable.

Does the speed test measure my internet? No — it measures the Wi‑Fi link between the device and the HollowMap server on your LAN. That's what a coverage survey wants.

Can I survey with just the laptop that runs HollowMap? No. The PC does not record — opening the recorder on it sends you to the Dashboard. Surveying needs GPS, which a PC does not have, so the walk is always recorded on a phone or tablet. Run HollowMap on a machine that stays put.

Does it work on iPhone and Android? Both. Android: install the HollowMap app, then type the PC address and the 6-digit walk code (not the long ?k= key). That reads the phone radio and the controller together, and keeps recording with the screen off. iPhone and iPad: the browser, where HollowMap uses the AP’s view of that phone — Auto-Lock stops GPS, so set it to Never for a long walk. Android works in the browser too. See Record in a browser.

What version is the tablet running? Top-right of Record: Tablet app and the number. The PC also records it on each sample (app / os in CSV), and the desktop strip shows it while collecting. If the tablet's number is behind the PC's, install the APK again (do not uninstall first).

The tablet said recording but the PC map is empty. The walk is on the tablet. If the PC app was closed, HollowMap stops trying to reach it and keeps GPS locally. Tap Stop (it will send), or open the tablet app later with the PC up and Wi-Fi on.

Can I survey inside a building with more than one floor? Yes. On Record, set Floor (Outdoor is the default). Change it when you take the stairs — the walk keeps going. On the map, Floor filters the heatmap so upstairs and downstairs are not one blob. GPS still sits on the road indoors; use I'm here.

What is the walk code? A 6-digit number on the desktop (same for every walker). Ping without it looks connected; points will not save. Ten wrong codes from one device inside 10 minutes locks that device out for 15 minutes — retyping the same wrong code does not count.

Can two people walk at once? No. One device records at a time: a second one is refused while the first is still sending. Leave the first idle for two minutes and the next can take over. Its queued points are kept, not thrown away.

Why does my phone show a security warning? The LAN server uses a self‑signed certificate. On Android Chrome tap Advanced → Proceed; on iPhone Safari tap Show Details → visit this website. HTTPS is required for GPS and the compass. See Troubleshooting.

Does my survey go to the cloud? No. It stays in a database on your PC. A map app does reach the internet for imagery and weather — Data & privacy lists exactly what and to whom.