# beaconDB

> public domain wireless geolocation database

**Wikidata**: [Q131450547](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131450547)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beacondb

## Summary
beaconDB is a public domain wireless geolocation database that provides location information based on wireless signals. It operates as an open-source, crowdsourced project that enables geopositioning through its API endpoint.

## Key Facts
- beaconDB is a public domain wireless geolocation database that provides location information based on wireless signals.
- The project is licensed under Q27017232 (Creative Commons Zero) for server software.
- It operates as an open-source, crowdsourced project with repositories on Codeberg at https://codeberg.org/beacondb/beacondb.
- The project is endorsed by GrapheneOS and has an API endpoint at https://api.beacondb.net/v1/geolocate.
- beaconDB is compatible with Firefox and GeoClue positioning services.
- The project maintains Matrix rooms for community interaction including #beacondb:libre.net.au (main), #beacondb-media:libre.net.au, #beacondb-hardware:libre.net.au, #beacondb-offtopic:libre.net.au, and #_oftc_#beacondb:matrix.org.
- The project has a Mastodon presence at beacondb@mapstodon.space since July 10, 2024.
- It also has an IRC channel at irc://irc.oftc.net/#beacondb and a Lemmy community at beacondb@lemmy.dbzer0.com.
- The project maintains a website at https://beacondb.net with a privacy policy at https://beacondb.net/privacy.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of beaconDB?
A: beaconDB serves as a public domain wireless geolocation database that allows applications and services to determine geographic locations based on wireless signal data. It provides this functionality through an open-source model, enabling users to contribute data and use the service for various geopositioning needs.

### Q: How does beaconDB maintain privacy and security?
A: beaconDB operates as a crowdsourced database and has published a privacy policy at https://beacondb.net/privacy. It's endorsed by GrapheneOS, a privacy-focused mobile operating system, which indicates alignment with privacy best practices.

### Q: Is beaconDB free to use?
A: Yes, beaconDB is classified as free software and operates under a public domain license. Users are free to run, study, change, and distribute the software and modified versions, as per the free software definition.

### Q: How can developers integrate with beaconDB?
A: Developers can integrate with beaconDB through its API endpoint at https://api.beacondb.net/v1/geolocate. The project is also compatible with various positioning services including Firefox and GeoClue, making it accessible for different types of applications.

## Why It Matters
beaconDB matters because it addresses the growing need for reliable, open-source geolocation solutions that respect user privacy. As mobile and IoT devices increasingly rely on positioning services, beaconDB provides an alternative to proprietary databases that may collect or misuse location data. By operating as a crowdsourced public domain project, it enables community-driven data collection and verification, reducing reliance on centralized corporate systems. This approach democratizes access to geolocation information while maintaining transparency, allowing developers and users to verify and contribute to the database. The project's endorsement by privacy-focused platforms like GrapheneOS further validates its importance in the ecosystem of location-based services.

## Notable For
- Being a public domain wireless geolocation database, distinguishing it from proprietary alternatives
- Its compatibility with both Firefox browser and GeoClue positioning services, enabling broad application integration
- Endorsement by GrapheneOS, a privacy-focused mobile operating system
- Crowdsourced nature that allows community participation in building and verifying the database
- Its comprehensive presence across multiple platforms including Matrix, IRC, Mastodon, and Lemmy for community engagement

## Body
### Overview
beaconDB is a public domain wireless geolocation database that provides location information based on wireless signals. It operates as an open-source, crowdsourced project classified under geolocation software with instances of an online service, crowdsourced project, and free software.

### Technical Details
- API Endpoint: https://api.beacondb.net/v1/geolocate
- Programming Language: Q575650 (specific language not specified in provided data)
- License: Q27017232 (Creative Commons Zero) applies to server software
- Copyright Status: Copyrighted

### Community Engagement
beaconDB maintains an active community presence across multiple platforms:
- Matrix Rooms:
  - #beacondb:libre.net.au (main space)
  - #beacondb-media:libre.net.au (media coverage)
  - #beacondb-hardware:libre.net.au (computer hardware)
  - #beacondb-offtopic:libre.net.au (off-topic discussions)
  - #_oftc_#beacondb:matrix.org (dedicated room)
- IRC Channel: irc://irc.oftc.net/#beacondb
- Social Media: Mastodon account at beacondb@mapstodon.space (launched July 10, 2024)
- Forum: Lemmy community at beacondb@lemmy.dbzer0.com
- Code Hosting: Codeberg repositories at https://codeberg.org/beacondb/beacondb and https://codeberg.org/beacondb/beacondb.net

### Project Information
- Website: https://beacondb.net (available in English)
- Privacy Policy: https://beacondb.net/privacy (available in English)
- Project Characteristics: Crowdsourcing
- Compatibility: Firefox and GeoClue
- Codeberg Username: beacondb
- License Qualifier: The server software is licensed under Q27017232

### Endorsements
beaconDB has received endorsement from GrapheneOS, as documented in their article "position location service" at https://grapheneos.org/articles/positon-location-service.

## References

1. [Source](https://beacondb.net/)
2. [Source](https://grapheneos.org/articles/positon-location-service)
3. [Source](https://beacondb.net/#firefox)
4. [Source](https://beacondb.net/#geoclue)