Updated 2026 Edition
The infosphere, Visualized.
Every time we use our phones, tablets or laptops we are entering an invisible world of wireless digital signals. It is a world that we cannot see but that is literally all around us.
The Architecture of Radio is a 360 degree data visualization of what this world might look like. It shows the cell towers, GPS satellites and Wi-Fi routers around you that allow us to live our digital lives.
New: support for Iphone X, XR, XS and XS Max Screens
New: Cardboard support!
Immerse yourself in the Infosphere in Virtual Reality using a cardboard or compatible headset*
*Carboard support only for iPhone. iPhone 6s or newer recommended for best performance.
Why should I use this app?
Out of curiosity! We are increasingly dependent on a global ecosystem of digital signals. We use them for so many things, yet we cannot see them. We can see the roads we use to travel, the buildings we live in, but not the infrastructure that is changing the world. How can we understand this world without understanding how it works?
The purpose of this app is to make the invisible visible so we can look at it, think about it and discuss it.
Why Should I not use this app?
This app is not a measurement tool. It’s purpose is to inspire, to see the world through a different lens. The app is based on real world data and gives you a pretty good idea of the density of digital signals around you, but it won’t tell you where to move the couch to get a better WIFI signal.
So how does it work?
The Architecture of Radio is a data visualization, based on global open datasets of cell tower, Wi-Fi and satellite locations. Based on your GPS location the app shows a 360 degree visualization of signals around you. The dataset includes almost 7 million cell towers, 19 million Wi-Fi routers and hundreds of satellites.
Is this really what radio signals look like?
We can’t see radio with our eyes. The waves that we use for our cell phones and Wi-Fi are way outside the spectrum of visible light. In order to “see” radio, it has to be interpreted or translated into an image that we can see. There are many ways to do that but it will always be an interpretation.
The Architecture of Radio is an impression of the infosphere, a way of seeing it.
Architecture of Radio is a brilliant use of technology to view the electronic signals that surround us. It is amazing that it can detect nearby devices and devices in Earth’s orbit!I would give this a 5-Star rating if basic device info was available by tapping on the device’s icon. For example displaying Wi-Fi Network name, wi-fi channel, signal strength, etc. Or, seeing satellite’s altitude and velocity, etc.
Meh... it doesn’t provide practical applications.
DaveW4U
I EXPECTED I would be able to see the 5G transmitters in my neighborhood and identify the frequency and power level they are transmitting at. I HOPED I would be able to identify the power and water meters on my house and see how much radiation I am being exposed to every day, 24/7.I FOUND that the app shows all the satellites that are above me and the Wi-Fi transmitters near me and the distance to them. I assume the frequencies identified by the satellites are for TV broadcasts and the cell towers and Wi-Fi routers are for 4G technology? I went up to 5G transmitters and they don’t show any signals, the same as the power and water meters. That’s disappointing because the meters and the 5G Wi-Fi antennas are EXTREMELY invasive frequencies. That’s why I bought the app, so this app is it useful to me. DEVELOPERS of this app: Please upgrade this app to recognize the dangerous frequencies ASAP! You can bet you will sell 10 to 50 times more of this app then you are doing currently. When you do, send out an update blast to all of us. THANK YOU!
Understand how the app works before buying it
bedouin
I was expecting a bit more, but that was because I did not consider how the app obtains its data. It’s probably not possible to have the device itself analyze the signals around you, so instead it determines your location and provides details based on publicly-available information. Still, I wish it would at least accurately determine where my wifi access points are located based on signal strength. I can stand right next to one of my access points and they do not even appear on the screen. Likewise, there is a cellular repeater about 100 meters from me; it detects it, but only when I aim the device in the opposite direction.I wish there were more options. Likewise, it was not immediately clear what the “cardboard” feature was for until I read the app’s description. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t discourage anyone from downloading this app who finds the underlying concept interesting.
Good, but not able to see other cel carrier
S13Dad
It is good for me, I just wanted to see the invisible signal around the machines I work on. I did not buy this to complain whether there is radiation around power and water meters in my house which I think is plain stupid. This is an app to see the radio frequency around you and this has nothing to do with electro magnetic fields. I simply do not understand why would someone buy this to find radiation and dangerous frequencies so they could distance themselves around it. Everywhere you go, there is radio frequency, the celphone you use, the wifi around you and the satellites on top of your head. This is not like microwaves that are very harmful, if you want to live without it, then the best place for you to live is in Mars.
bug fixes, data updates, iOS 26 compatibility
Version 1.1
The developer, Richard Vijgen, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
