Feature: Keep Coverage Map As Image After Deleting Data

Dec 1, 2025 by Alex Johnson 56 views

Feature Request: Keep Coverage Map as Image After Data Deletion

Introduction

This article delves into a feature request concerning the NeoStumbler application, specifically focusing on the ability to retain the coverage map as an image even after the underlying data has been deleted. This functionality is crucial for users who actively contribute to the application's data collection efforts and have amassed substantial storage usage over time. By allowing users to export and delete their data while preserving the visual representation of their coverage, the application can strike a balance between performance optimization and the continued utility of previously collected information. This article will explore the user's perspective, the technical considerations, and the potential benefits of implementing such a feature.

The User's Perspective: Balancing Contribution and Performance

For active contributors like the user who initiated this request, NeoStumbler's value lies in its ability to map and visualize network coverage. The accumulation of data, particularly personal coverage data, is a natural consequence of frequent use. However, this accumulation can lead to performance degradation, as highlighted by the user's experience with over 300MB of internal storage usage. The user's primary concern is to maintain the app's responsiveness while still leveraging the visual insights derived from their past contributions. This is where the ability to separate the visual coverage map from the underlying data becomes essential.

Currently, the purple coverage display in NeoStumbler appears to be directly linked to the raw data. This means that deleting the data also removes the visual representation of the coverage, effectively erasing the user's past contributions from the map. The user's suggestion to export and delete the data while preserving the vector data as an indicator of where to stumble next is a pragmatic solution. It allows them to reclaim storage space without losing the valuable visual context of their previous data collection efforts. This feature aligns with the needs of power users who are deeply invested in the application and want to optimize their experience without sacrificing functionality. By providing a mechanism to manage data storage while retaining visual coverage, NeoStumbler can cater to its most active users and ensure a smoother, more responsive experience.

Technical Considerations: Implementing the Feature

Implementing the feature to keep the coverage map as an image after data deletion involves several technical considerations. The core challenge lies in decoupling the visual representation of the coverage from the underlying raw data. Currently, the purple coverage display is directly tied to the data, meaning that deleting the data also removes the visual layer. To address this, the application needs to introduce a mechanism to export the coverage map as a separate image file or a vector-based representation.

One approach is to generate a static image of the coverage map, such as a PNG or JPEG file. This image can then be stored independently of the raw data and displayed even after the data has been deleted. However, this approach has limitations. Static images lack interactivity and cannot be easily updated. A more sophisticated approach is to use vector graphics to represent the coverage map. Vector graphics are scalable and can be easily manipulated, allowing for a more dynamic and interactive experience. The application could export the coverage map as a vector-based file, such as an SVG or a GeoJSON file. These files can then be re-imported into the application and displayed as a separate layer on the map.

The implementation also needs to consider the user interface and the data management workflow. The application should provide a clear and intuitive way for users to export their coverage map and delete their data. This could involve adding a new option to the settings menu or introducing a dedicated data management screen. The application should also provide feedback to the user during the export and deletion process, indicating the progress and any potential issues. Furthermore, the application needs to handle the re-import of the coverage map seamlessly. The imported map should be displayed correctly on the map, and the user should be able to interact with it in a meaningful way. This could involve zooming, panning, and overlaying the map with other data layers.

Benefits of Retaining the Coverage Map

Retaining the coverage map as an image after data deletion offers several significant benefits to NeoStumbler users. Firstly, it allows users to optimize their storage usage without sacrificing valuable visual information. As mentioned earlier, active contributors can accumulate substantial amounts of data, leading to performance slowdowns. By enabling users to delete their raw data while preserving the coverage map, the application can alleviate storage pressure and maintain a smooth user experience. This is particularly crucial for users with devices that have limited storage capacity.

Secondly, retaining the coverage map provides a visual reference for future data collection efforts. The coverage map serves as a historical record of the user's past activities, indicating areas where data has already been collected. This information is valuable for planning future stumbles, allowing users to focus on areas where coverage is lacking. By having a visual representation of their past contributions, users can avoid redundant data collection and maximize their efforts. The coverage map also serves as a personal achievement tracker, showcasing the user's contributions to the application's data collection efforts. This can be a motivating factor for users to continue contributing and expanding the coverage map.

Thirdly, this feature enhances the overall usability and appeal of the application. By catering to the needs of active contributors, NeoStumbler can foster a strong community of users who are invested in the application's success. The ability to manage data storage while retaining visual coverage demonstrates a commitment to user experience and responsiveness to user feedback. This can attract new users to the application and encourage existing users to remain engaged. Furthermore, this feature aligns with best practices in data management and privacy. By giving users control over their data and the ability to delete it while preserving visual representations, NeoStumbler can enhance user trust and confidence in the application.

Conclusion

The feature request to keep the coverage map as an image after data deletion is a valuable suggestion that addresses the needs of active NeoStumbler users. By allowing users to manage their data storage while preserving the visual representation of their coverage, the application can optimize performance, enhance usability, and foster a strong community of contributors. Implementing this feature involves technical challenges, but the benefits outweigh the costs. By decoupling the visual coverage map from the underlying data, NeoStumbler can strike a balance between performance optimization and the continued utility of previously collected information. This feature aligns with the needs of power users who are deeply invested in the application and want to maximize their experience. Ultimately, implementing this feature will contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of the NeoStumbler application.

For more information on data management and best practices, you can visit the Open Data Institute.