The "Digital Noise" Pollution Map
Original Mission created by RENSIC.
Submit Your Research MissionMission Overview: Mapping Invisible Congestion
This mission taps into the "digital detox" trend and the growing interest in how technology impacts our physical spaces and mental peace. We often seek out nature to escape, but how "quiet" are these spaces electronically?
The Goal: Measuring how much hidden "electronic noise" (Bluetooth/WiFi congestion) exists in public parks or nature preserves.
The Task: Go to a local park. Use a WiFi/Bluetooth Analyzer app and a Decibel Meter app to take a 30-second reading of how many "invisible" signals are hitting your phone versus the actual audible sound of the environment.
The Data: A screenshot of the signal density map and the decibel reading, cryptographically verified to ensure authenticity.
Mandatory Tools First
In order to participate in Missions, you will need at least one of these two apps for all missions. Other specialized tools may be required by the Mission:
ProofMode
A lightweight app that turns your phone into a secure evidence-gathering device by automatically adding cryptographic signatures and metadata.
proofmode.orgNetwork Analyzer
A professional-grade, court-admissible application capable of scanning and mapping local 2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi networks and Bluetooth devices to measure signal density.
techet.net/netanalyzerDecibel X
A highly reliable, calibrated sound level meter app that provides court-admissible ambient audible sound (in dB) measurements.
skypaw.com/decibelxOpen Source Forensic Tools (Digital & Network Analysis):
ExifTool
A platform-independent command-line application for reading, writing and editing meta information. Required for verifying the authenticity and timestamps of the captured screenshots.
exiftool.orgQGIS
A free and open-source geographic information system (GIS) application. Required for visualizing and analyzing the GPS-tagged heat map of digital noise and signal density.
qgis.orgWhen you download the apps, this is what you need to do before you use them:
- Network Analyzer: Ensure location permissions are granted to scan WiFi/Bluetooth.
- Decibel X: Set to record A-weighted decibels (dBA).
- ProofMode: Ensure it is running in the background to sign your screenshots.
For additional operational resources, consult the Tools and Testing, Ethical Testing Guide, Verification Guide, and Smart Contracts pages.
The "Signal vs. Sound" Methodology
Directive DN-01: Environmental Noise Correlation
To accurately map the intrusion of digital signals into natural spaces, we must capture both the audible baseline and the invisible electronic congestion simultaneously.
Phase 1: Location & Baseline Setup
Navigate to a designated public park or nature preserve. Ensure you are at least 100 feet away from any major roads or commercial buildings to establish a true natural baseline.
Critical App Setup Requirements
To create verifiable evidence, configure your data collection apps in this specific order:
- First, set up ProofMode: Ensure it is running in the background to cryptographically sign all screenshots and media captured during the session.
- Next, open your Analyzers: Have both your WiFi/Bluetooth Analyzer and Decibel Meter apps ready to record.
Phase 2: The 30-Second Reading
This phase captures the core data comparing audible tranquility to digital congestion.
- The Action: Stand still and initiate a 30-second scan on both the Decibel Meter and the WiFi/Bluetooth Analyzer.
- The Capture: At the end of the 30 seconds, take a clear screenshot of the signal density map (showing the number of networks/devices) and a screenshot of the average decibel reading.
- The Data Output: Two ProofMode-verified screenshots representing the "Signal vs. Sound" ratio of that specific GPS coordinate.
Milestones
This mission is structured in three progressive milestones to map the digital noise across various natural environments.
Milestone 1: Initial Data Collection
$150Goal: Gather the first wave of baseline readings from major urban parks.
- Reward the first 15 users for submitting verified "Signal vs. Sound" screenshots.
Milestone 2: Data Synthesis & Mapping
$500Goal: Compile the data into a comprehensive visual map.
- Fund a data scientist to aggregate the submissions and create an interactive "Digital Noise Heatmap".
Milestone 3: Awareness Campaign
$850Goal: Publish findings to raise awareness about digital pollution.
- Draft and distribute a formal report on the impact of electronic congestion in designated nature preserves.
Mission Downloads
The following files are pre-configured specifically for The "Digital Noise" Pollution Map. Citizen Researchers can use these templates to compile legally verifiable, corroborating evidence for submission to municipal authorities or courts.
Submission Requirements
Citizen Researchers are required to submit these two files (completely filled out; the .json is pre-filled with Mission-specific metadata) alongside the raw evidence Network Analyzer screenshot and the Decibel X screenshot (both signed by ProofMode) for full review, validation, and payment.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Follow this step-by-step checklist to ensure your digital noise readings are accurate and forensically valid.
1 Preparation & App Setup
- Location Selection: Choose a public park or nature preserve. Ensure you are at least 100 feet away from any major roads or buildings if possible.
- App Readiness: Ensure ProofMode, your Network Analyzer app, and your Decibel Meter app are installed and functioning.
- ProofMode Activation: Open ProofMode and ensure it is running in the background to capture metadata.
2 The Network Scan
- Positioning: Stand still in your chosen location. Hold your phone steadily in front of you.
- Scanning: Open your Network Analyzer app. Allow it to scan for WiFi and Bluetooth signals for a full 30 seconds to capture a complete picture of the local congestion.
- Capture: Take a screenshot of the signal density map or list showing the number of detected networks/devices.
3 The Decibel Reading
- Silence: Remain in the exact same spot. Do not speak or make unnecessary noise.
- Measurement: Open your Decibel Meter app. Let it run for 15-30 seconds to get an accurate average reading of the ambient acoustic noise.
- Capture: Take a screenshot of the decibel reading.
4 Verification & Submission
- Metadata: Fill out the provided Evidence Metadata JSON file with your specific mission details (location name, time, etc.).
- Upload: Upload the ProofMode zip files (containing the Network Analyzer and Decibel Meter screenshots) and the completed JSON metadata file to the RENSIC portal.
Mission Budget Breakdown
Total Funding Necessary: $150
The money will be used for the Rewards. Payout $10 for a verified "Signal vs. Sound" submission (total 15 tasks) via PayPal.
Mission Timeline
Mission Created
The "Digital Noise" Pollution Map initialized. Initial funding round opened.
Data Collection Phase
Users capture 30-second signal density and decibel readings.
Signal Density Analysis
Data is aggregated to create the Digital Noise Heatmap.
Activity Log
Mission started. Awaiting first submissions.
Audit Results
Results will be populated as verified data is collected.
How do you want to participate?
This is a Live Mission and needs 15 people to do a quick test (takes a few minutes; see Overview and Protocol tabs). We'll pay $10 via PayPal - no catch - to the first 15 people who send their results to our email info@rensic.com.
Minimum contribution: $10.00
This mission is currently in manual funding phase. All contributions are tracked publicly. Full platform automation launching Q3 2026.
NOTE: All transactions are securely processed and tracked for Escrow services.
Milestone 1 is Fully Funded! Any new contributions will be applied directly toward the next Milestone.