MeshAtlas is a worldwide guide to independent, community-built and off-grid communication networks.
Across the world, individuals, radio amateurs, local communities and technical enthusiasts are building communication infrastructure of their own: LoRa mesh nodes, LoRaWAN gateways, APRS digipeaters, amateur-radio repeaters, packet-radio systems, community Wi-Fi networks and many other experimental or resilient communication systems.
Most of these projects already have excellent communities and documentation. What is often missing is a shared place where people can discover what exists around them, understand how the different technologies work and find practical ways to participate.
MeshAtlas aims to provide that place.
What you can find here
MeshAtlas collects and organizes information about:
- Meshtastic and MeshCore networks
- LoRaWAN gateways and community IoT networks
- APRS digipeaters and internet gateways
- Amateur-radio voice and digital repeaters
- Packet-radio nodes and BBS systems
- Community Wi-Fi and long-distance wireless networks
- Satellite, emergency and other off-grid communication systems
- Compatible devices, antennas, solar systems and installation equipment
- Local communities, maps, projects, shops and useful resources
Who is MeshAtlas for?
MeshAtlas is for everyone interested in communication beyond conventional mobile and internet infrastructure:
- People looking for an existing local network
- Beginners who want to understand the technology
- Node and gateway operators
- Radio amateurs
- Makers and electronics enthusiasts
- Hikers, campers and overland travellers
- Emergency communication volunteers
- Community network organizers
- People who can host equipment at useful locations
- Developers and researchers working on open communication systems
You do not need to be a programmer or radio expert to participate. A useful contribution might be installing a small node, providing a good antenna location, documenting local coverage, helping a regional community or simply introducing interested people to one another.
Why location matters
Radio coverage depends heavily on terrain, antenna placement, local interference and elevation. A modest device installed on a hill, tall building or mountain property may provide more useful coverage than a powerful device installed in a poor location.
MeshAtlas therefore wants to connect network builders with people who may have access to:
- Hills and mountain locations
- Tall residential or commercial buildings
- Radio towers and existing antenna sites
- Remote properties
- Farms and rural facilities
- Locations with power and internet access
- Sites suitable for solar-powered equipment
How to join
You can participate in several ways:
- Discover a network
Find active projects and communities in your country or region. - Choose a technology
Learn the difference between Meshtastic, MeshCore, LoRaWAN, APRS, packet radio and other systems. - Get a device
Find suitable hardware, antennas and trusted suppliers. - Set up your station
Follow beginner-friendly installation and configuration guides. - Connect with others
Join a regional community and coordinate frequencies, presets, channels and node placement. - Contribute coverage
Operate a personal node, public repeater, gateway or strategically located relay. - Share your project
Submit your network, community, coverage map, guide, shop or installation to MeshAtlas.
Independent and technology-neutral
MeshAtlas is not a replacement for the official websites, maps or communities behind individual technologies. It is an independent directory and educational resource that helps people discover and compare them.
Every network has different technical, legal and licensing requirements. Some systems operate in licence-exempt radio bands, while amateur-radio repeaters, APRS and packet-radio stations generally require an appropriate amateur-radio licence. Users are responsible for following the radio regulations applicable in their own country.