Unveiling the Nodle Explorer: A Central Hub for Nodle Network Insights

7 min readAug 4, 2023

The Nodle Network is a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN), which means its physical infrastructure exists in the real world, but it seamlessly integrates with the digital world.

The Nodle Nnetwork is highly dynamic as it consists predominantly of smartphones acting as nodes . Users can seamlessly connect to the network as they move between different locations, making mobility a distinctive feature of the Nodle Network. This sets it apart from other DePINs that are typically constructed using static physical hotspots, which lack the fluidity and adaptability offered by the Nodle Network.

Because of this fluidity, the location, the coverage, and the density of these nodes are critical components for the viability of consumer centric services

Welcome to the Nodle Explorer, an innovative platform that highlights the density of the Nodle Network.

What is the Nodle Explorer?

The Nodle Explorer is a map that provides a visual representation of the Nodle Network nodes across the globe. Featuring H3 hexagon tiles, the map provides information on the location and the density of the nodes.

These H3 hexagon tiles enable easy identification of low and high-density areas, which are useful for getting higher network rewards or for deploying Ssmart Mmissions.
Additionally, you can use the Nodle Explorer to view network statistics.

The Explorer consists of two distinct features: the Map and the Network, as illustrated in the figure below. The Map provides details on the nodes while the Network page provides detailed statistics, rewards, and token metrics.

How Does it Work?

In the Nodle Network, H3 hexagon tiles are employed to divide the Earth’s surface into equal sections.

Specifically, the Nodle Network adopts definition 10 for its H3 tiles. Each hexagon possesses a distinct identifier and encompasses an area of approximately 15,047.5 square meters.

These hexagons play a pivotal role in monitoring the concentration of nodes in specific areas, offering insights into the network’s coverage and dependability in those regions. Moreover, they serve as a unit of measurement employed by the Nodle Network Oracle for calculating rewards.

This can be For example, observed check out the nodes and their density in the areas map of southern France in the map below.

Advantages of Using H3 Tiles over Geohashes

You may wonder why we use H3 tiles in the Explorer instead of geohashes. Unlike geohashes, H3 tiles are uniformly sized. Plus, H3 tiles use a hierarchical hexagonal grid, which enables comprehensive global coverage with consistent characteristics.

In contrast, geohashes rely on a rectangular grid resulting in varying precision levels and discrete boundaries.

Using geohashes has some limitations. Geohash cells have rectangular shapes with imperfectly aligned boundaries, leading to potential overlaps or gaps between neighboring cells.

Additionally, geohashes have limited coverage. They are not intended for global coverage (like H3) and may require connecting multiple systems to extend their range beyond a specific region.

Accessing Nodle Explorer

You can access the Explorer from the Nodle website or by direct link. Navigate to https://network.nodle.com to view the network coverage and other details.

Nodle Explorer Map: Viewing Node Data

The Map section of the Explorer provides summary information on the network coverage, as well as information about each H3 hexagon.

Information About the Network. A summary of the Nodle Network coverage (for the last 30 days, by default) is displayed in a window located on the left side of the screen, as illustrated here. The window displays information on:

Number of countries covered
Number of active H3 tiles
The average number of active nodes within an H3 tile
Total surface area covered

2. Information About Each H3 Tile. To examine the coverage and density of a specific tile (region), simply click on the desired H3 hexagon. By default, data for the last 30 days is displayed.

The Explorer presents the relevant information in the pop-up window. This information includes the rewards data as well as the number of nodes within the chosen tile.

Click X in the window to revert to the network summary data.

Nodle Explorer Network: Viewing Detailed Statistics

In addition to the map, the Nodle Explorer provides access to various metrics that depict the activity and growth of the Nodle Network.

To access these detailed metrics, click Network from the Explorer.

The network statistics that are shown are:

Node Availability Metrics
The metrics include the total number of active nodes and new nodes that have joined the network in the last 7 or 30 days. They indicate the size of the Nodle Network and how fast it is growing.

Nodle Rewards And NODL Token Metrics

These metrics include the current price of the NODL token, the total number of tokens issued, and the daily average rewards per node. They provide insights into the rewards system and the value of the NODL token.

Nodle Chain Activity Metrics

These metrics enable tracking of the number of wallets in use, the number and volume of transactions occurring on the chain, and the number of NFTs minted on the chain.

Overall, these metrics collectively provide transparency and allow people to track the current state and growth of the Nodle ecosystem.

Nodle Explorer: Uses

Earning More Rewards

The density of nodes within an H3 tile will havea direct impact on the rewards assigned to edge nodes. Remember, earning rewards depends on:

Node time availability
Node Bluetooth availability
Node location

Based on estimations, having exactly 4 nodes within a level 10 H3 tile is considered optimal, resulting in the highest rewards for the group of nodes.

By utilizing the Explorer tool, users can now identify prime locations or spots for maximizing network rewards. Specifically, nodes can enhance the network’s strength by relocating from high-density tiles to low-density tiles, thereby earning greater rewards.

To assess tile density, users can simply click on a tile on the map. If the tile contains more than 4 nodes, it is classified as high-density and will yield lower rewards.

Additionally, nodes can expand the network by covering new, transparent tiles visible on the map. This action ensures maximum rewards for an individual node. For further details on rewards calculation, refer to the Nodle Docs.

2. Running Smart Missions

Passive Smart Missions, such as location tracking, often benefit from a stronger network presence to ensure reliable service. The Nodle Explorer enables network users to allocate their resources strategically, creating Smart Missions in areas where they will yield the greatest value.

For active Smart Missions, the Explorer can also assess its success rate by redirecting nodes to the designated execution areas. This is based on the fact that people typically prefer shorter distances to move and are more likely to participate if the mission’s value aligns with their interests.

In simpler terms, the Nodle Explorer helps users optimize their resources for Smart Missions that require a strong network. It takes into account people’s preferences and ensures missions are executed where they will be most effective.

Nodle Explorer: Security

The Explorer does not display or reveal nodes’ private information, including their exact location, device ID, or wallet address.

To ensure anonymity and prevent tracking of node locations and movements, the H3 hexagon resolution is set at 10, covering an area of 15,047.5 square meters. Real-time network coverage is not exposed to protect the privacy of the nodes.

Moreover, the minimum time frame of 30 days is implemented to prioritize the safety and security of the nodes and prevent any potential private data leaks.

Nodle Explorer: The Future

Nodle’s ongoing efforts involve enhancing the Explorer to showcase a comprehensive range of activities on the Nodle Network.

In the future, as Smart Missions become available to the public, the Explorer will include a display of the activated missions on the network. This ongoing development aims to provide users with a more complete and informative experience within the Explorer.

About Nodle

Nodle connects the physical world to Web3 by using smartphones as edge nodes. The edge nodes read devices and sensors in the physical world using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and connect that information to the blockchain. Creating a geolocation-based layer one that can be used by many unique applications built for the hyper-connected, mobile-oriented world we live in. Nodle creates an economic model that is secure, private, and scalable. Anyone with a smartphone can join the network and earn NODL, Nodle’s native token. To join, download the Nodle app for iOS or Android.