SigCap Data Portal Launches with Support from SpectrumX Seed Award

SigCap is a data platform for wireless research that visually maps out Wi-Fi and cellular network strength, demonstrating where signals are strong or weak. Powered by an Android application that captures GPS coordinates along with detailed cellular and Wi-Fi metrics, the platform serves as a collaborative data repository where researchers can collect and upload measurements from their devices. Each contribution expands coverage data across a growing number of geographical regions. With over 15 million data points contributed by researchers at multiple universities, the platform provides granular insights that support city planning, digital equity initiatives, and infrastructure development. 

Caleb Reinking, Associate Director for Software Engineering at the CRC, and Monisha Ghosh, Professor of Electrical Engineering at Notre Dame and Policy Outreach Director for SpectrumX, recently received seed funding from SpectrumX to enhance the platform's capabilities. The funding enabled CRC's research software engineers to convert a prototype web application—originally developed by SigCap's creator, Muhammad Rochman, a postdoctoral researcher at Notre Dame—into a scalable, publicly available data visualization platform. This enhanced version allows users to view and interact with comprehensive signal strength maps.

The platform's research applications extend beyond academic use. SigCap data may inform future spectrum policy decisions, as evidenced by its inclusion in a recent FCC filing. Ghosh and Reinking were part of a contributor group responding to a recent FCC notice of inquiry, where SigCap was specifically cited as a valuable analytical tool, demonstrating the platform's potential for real-world policy applications.

SpectrumX is an NSF Innovation Center that seeks to optimize radio spectrum utilization through strategic research initiatives, prioritizing funding for high-impact projects that both inform spectrum policy development and cultivate the next generation of spectrum researchers and professionals. NSF SpectrumX is funded via Award 2132700 operated under cooperative agreement by the University of Notre Dame. The CRC has engaged with SpectrumX as a collaborative partner for the past two years.

Managing research data across multiple systems can be challenging, particularly when handling large files or datasets distributed across different platforms. Traditional transfer tools—such as scp or client applications like Cyberduck, FileZilla, and WinSCP—often struggle with sizable datasets, resulting in slow, unreliable, and error-prone transfers

Globus eliminates these headaches by providing a fast, reliable, and user-friendly file transfer service. You simply submit a transfer request and let Globus handle the rest. It automatically monitors performance, retries failed transfers, optimizes for speed, and recovers from faults when possible—all while keeping you informed.

In addition to transfers, Globus makes it easy to securely share data with collaborators worldwide, even outside of Notre Dame. Originally developed at the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory, Globus is now widely adopted across research institutions as a trusted platform for moving, sharing, and managing research data.

How it works:

Globus connects storage systems through endpoints. An endpoint could be:

Within an endpoint, you can create collections—organized spaces for data you want to transfer or share with collaborators.

Getting Started

With Globus, moving data doesn’t need to be a bottleneck. Whether you’re syncing results from CRC storage to your laptop or sharing data with colleagues at other institutions, Globus makes the process smooth, secure, and reliable. For more details, visit https://docs.crc.nd.edu/resources/globus.html.

To further expand our reach, we’re launching a dedicated Google Group (rse_ai_asst_cop-list@nd.edu) to facilitate ongoing discussion, resource sharing, and knowledge exchange among participants. Whether you're a seasoned developer curious about AI assistance or a student just beginning to explore these tools, this community will provide a supportive environment to navigate the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and research software engineering. Stay tuned for our first session announcement, and consider joining our mailing list to connect with fellow researchers who are shaping the future of computational research.

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The CRC offers multiple training opportunities for both new and existing users. We periodically provide short courses and other learning opportunities, which are advertised on our website and through email lists. In-person office hours are held every Wednesday and Thursday from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in Flanner Hall, room 812, on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also arrange a Zoom meeting at your convenience by emailing CRCsupport@nd.edu with your availability. We recommend bringing a laptop to in-person sessions.

For more information, please contact CRCsupport@nd.edu.