giskismet

giskismet [options] [file.netxml ...]

-x
    Specifies the input Kismet netxml file. Multiple files can be provided to combine data from several captures.

-o
    Sets the name of the output file. The file extension typically determines the output format (e.g., .kml for KML, .csv for CSV).

-t
    Defines the output format. Supported types include `kml` (default for mapping), `csv` (for spreadsheet analysis), and `xml` (for structured data exchange).

-f
    Applies a filter to the output, allowing selection based on criteria like `OPEN`, `WEP`, `WPA`, `SSID=MyNetwork`, `BSSID=00:11:22:33:44:55`, `CHAN=6`, or `MANF=Cisco`.

-s
    Displays only unique SSIDs (network names) found, rather than individual BSSIDs (MAC addresses of access points).

-u
    Outputs only unique BSSIDs encountered, preventing duplicate entries for the same access point captured multiple times.

-a
    Includes all discovered networks in the output, even those without associated GPS coordinates. By default, only GPS-tagged networks are shown.

-h
    Shows a help message summarizing command-line options and exits.

giskismet is a utility designed to process Kismet netxml and gpsxml files. Kismet is a popular wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system. When Kismet captures Wi-Fi network information, it saves it in a netxml file, which contains details about discovered access points (SSIDs, MAC addresses, encryption types, signal strengths, etc.) and associated GPS coordinates (if a GPS device is used).

giskismet takes these raw netxml files and parses the data, extracting relevant information about Wi-Fi networks and their geographical locations. Its primary function is to transform this data into a format that can be easily visualized on mapping services. It can generate KML (Keyhole Markup Language) files, which are standard for geographical annotation and visualization, compatible with applications like Google Earth, Google Maps, and other GIS software. This allows users to plot discovered Wi-Fi networks directly onto a map, showing where they were found.

Beyond KML export, giskismet can also export data in other formats like CSV (Comma Separated Values) for spreadsheet analysis, and XML, providing flexibility for further processing or custom reporting. It offers various filtering options, enabling users to focus on specific types of networks, such as open access points, WEP/WPA encrypted networks, or particular SSIDs. This makes giskismet an invaluable tool for network security professionals, penetration testers, and enthusiasts engaged in wardriving or wireless network mapping. It aids in understanding the geographical distribution and security posture of wireless networks in a given area.

giskismet is a post-processing tool and does not perform active scanning. Its effectiveness is directly tied to the quality and completeness of the input Kismet netxml files, particularly the presence and accuracy of GPS data for geographical mapping. Without valid GPS coordinates in the Kismet capture, the mapping functionality is limited or unavailable.

The primary strength of giskismet lies in its ability to generate KML files, which are natively supported by popular mapping services like Google Earth and Google Maps. This allows users to easily import and visualize discovered Wi-Fi networks on a global map, gaining geographical context for their wireless security assessments.

Beyond KML, giskismet offers export options to CSV and XML. The CSV format is ideal for importing network data into spreadsheets for further statistical analysis, sorting, and custom reporting. The XML output provides a structured, machine-readable format suitable for integration with other scripts or analysis tools.

giskismet emerged as a specialized tool within the broader Kismet ecosystem, specifically designed to leverage the geographical positioning data that Kismet can collect during wireless network surveys. Its development addressed the growing need for visual analysis of 'wardriving' data, transforming raw network capture logs into interactive map visualizations. It has been maintained and updated to remain compatible with evolving Kismet netxml formats and mapping technologies, serving as a critical component for network security professionals and enthusiasts mapping wireless environments.

kismet(1), aircrack-ng(8), gpsd(8), wireshark(1)