How to upload exact BTS locations

Created by: E3V3A

The problem: Some of the more advanced AIMSICD detection depend on knowing the exact location of a BTS. However, this information is rarely available, and when it is, it is usually for a specific network operator (MNO). That data is obtained by downloading or querying public or private databases. However, in only very special cases are the exact BTS location provided, and this situation is deteriorating with the rapiddly increasing popularity of micro- and pico-cells All other times when a GPS position is available from an external source, that info is based on some kind of average of the locations at which most of the measurements was made. These are made by the phones. This makes pinpointing specific BTS antennas difficult, and if you don't know where the real antenna should be, it make it much harder to find a fake or IMSI-Catcher type device in the area, especially as these can be very small and easily hidden from view.

But humans are great at spotting unusual devices on houses, towers, cars, and so on. So we can expect that some interested and technical persons would recognize such an antenna.

Q: How can I upload the exact location of an antenna that I have spotted and observed in the wild?

A: There is a great app called RF Signal Tracker that allow you to detect BTS and then move them to their correct locations on the map, and upload them to OCID. Here's what they say:

One of the great deficiencies of the app is that, unless you are an engineer for a cellular carrier, you probably do not have access to a complete and accurate site location database. Therefore, I have added a feature which will allow a user to insert a site on the map, and in turn the site database, by simply pressing a spot on the map. Not perfect, but it does minimize the short comings of the open source location services on the web. Instructions are below. Long pressing (2 seconds or more) an empty spot on the map will launch a dialog which will give the user the option of inserting the current serving cell into that spot on the map. This will allow users to define site locations even if they do not have access to specific site location data. Long pressing a site icon on the map will launch a dialog giving the user these options: Move XXXXX to selected site - This will attach the current serving cell to the site represented by the selected icon. Often, Google will show two sites as separated by a few dozen meters when, in fact, they are sectors on the same site. This option lets you bundle these cells together on the one site. Move selected site to cell XXXXX - This will move all the sectors on the selected site to the same site as the serving cell. Like the first option but in reverse. Remove selected site and all attached cells - This removes (temporarily) all the sectors on the selected site from the database. If you are using the Google or OpenCellID location services then the cell will appear in its original position (If you handover to that cell, the app will first search its database for the cell and then go online to find it. If it is successful it will store that cell location back in its database). If using Local location then the site is deleted from the database, but can be reloaded from the original data file. Remove XXXXX from selected site - This option removes the specific cell from the selected site. All other cells remain unchanged. This is used if you attach a cell to the wrong site.