For those of you that are or are not iDevice users, I and a lot of other people would appreciate if you would be able to add your Wifi access points (AP) to the iDevice location database. This database, managed by Skyhook Wireless, collects the Wifi AP MAC address and GPS Co-ordinates of the device and collects this data which is then used by, amongst other things, iPhone's; iPad's and iPod Touch's to provide location information.

The process is simple. First we need your routers WIFI MAC address. The MAC address is a unique identifier provide by your AP manufacturer and is typically in the format "XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX" where "XX" is any number or letter.
The first option is to login to your routers internet interface and find it, usually under Device Info.
The second option if you are unable to complete either of these methods is to use a Wifi sniffer software that will list the MAC's of any visible AP's (use Google to find instructions and a program). Also there is more info on the Skyhook site (http://www.skyhookwireless.com/howitworks/FindMyAP.php).

Next we need to go to the Skyhook Wireless website and find the "Submit an AP" page (http://www.skyhookwireless.com/howitworks/submit_ap.php). Search for your house/business address and then (using satellite mode) move the pin to accurately reflect the location of your AP, then in the box labeled MAC Address type or paste in the MAC address of your router and then provide a valid email in the provided box. Fill in the Captcha and click Submit. There you have it, you're done. You should receive a confirmation email soon.

Please share this post around and ask your friends, family, colleagues and online friends to do this to increase the usability of the location feature of iDevices, especially iPod Touch's and iPad's who lack GPS. It does take a while for iDevice's to have the latest database available so you won't have your AP's location available immediately.

Use this URL to Post elseware on the internet: http://bit.ly/LOCATIONNZ

NOTE: Providing your MAC address does not compromise your wireless network in any way as this information is broadcast by your router publicly. Adding it to the database does not allow anyone access to your router and is entirely free.