BeaconGIS is a next-generation GIS system built for Urban Explorers, by Urban Explorers. Developed to address the unique needs of the Urban Exploring community, we aim to provide a better overall experience. This innovative platform overcomes the limitations of traditional mapping tools like Google MyMaps, offering unparalleled levels of functionality, flexibility, and collaboration.
BeaconGIS will be built on robust open-source technologies – including GeoServer, PostGIS, QGIS and QField. BeaconGIS will allow you to create, import, manage, and share maps that are both comprehensive and highly customizable. Whether you’re organizing and pinning abandoned structures or developing intricate maps of sewers and mines, BeaconGIS will be there to help you document the world like never before.
Key Features:
- Limitless Mapping: No limits on layers, points, or file import sizes. Your only limitation is your hardware!
- Absolute Control: Gatekeepers of knowledge, take heed: BeaconGIS will feature a customizable role-based permission system so you can decide who can view, edit, or share maps or even certain layers, ensuring your discoveries remain under your dominion.
- Seamless Collaboration: Work as one, even when scattered across the farthest reaches. BeaconGIS will feature real-time editing, allow changes to made more efficiently and with less conflicts.
- Time Machine: Erase mistakes and retrace steps with BeaconGIS’s versioning system that remembers every change and can revert it on a dime.
- Finally Go Off-Grid: Take your maps with you into places where signals fade, armed with the ability to edit and explore offline. Sync back to BeaconGIS when you’re back online.
- Universal File Import: From KML to Shapefiles, GeoJSON to KMZ. BeaconGIS can absorb it all, no matter the format.
- Filter Like No Tomorrow: Navigate vast datasets with the built in advanced filtering tools and finally weed out the unnecessary noise; without needing to truncate data.
- Universal Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android; QGIS and QField will be your bridge between you and BeaconGIS.
So why choose BeaconGIS? Google MyMaps has long been the go-to solution for Urban Explorers, but its limitations–offline viewing/editing, file size and format caps, layer restrictions, and privacy concerns have hindered its effectiveness. BeaconGIS eliminates these problems, providing a wide feature set sure to cater to explorers worldwide.
Currently in development, we are hoping to reach Pre-Alpha by May 2025 and Closed Alpha by August of 2025. Larger-scale testing will begin Winter 2025-2026. Since this will be a community and volunteer-driven project, users will be invited to test the platform, provide feedback, and help shape its development. The system will be slightly more technical to set up than Google MyMaps, but the powerful feature set will enable users to grow into more advanced users over time, enhancing their exploration and mapping skills.
BeaconGIS Roadmap
Phase 1: Closed Pre-Alpha Goes Live
Pre-alpha is where we will be setting up and designing all of the various components prior to formal testing. The basic building blocks of BeaconGIS are laid and ready to be modified to our heart’s desire at this stage.
Phase 2: Closed Alpha Version Goes Live
At this phase, we will open up invite-only, closed, formal testing with a small group. During Alpha, BeaconGIS will likely be missing some key features, have random bugs/performance issues, and might experience data loss. The Alpha version will be geofenced to our local area until testing is complete.
Phase 3: Closed Beta Version Goes Live
Once the Alpha version completes its testing period, we will open our geofence to a select number of major cities and integrate our planned waitlist-based invite system. Through this system, you will be able to request early access and join our Beta testing program. At this time, BeaconGIS will have most or all of the promised features, and should be stable enough for active daily use.
Phase 4: Stable Version Goes Live
Once the Beta version has been properly and thoroughly tested, BeaconGIS will expand to the entirety of the US. A form will be added to our website to join the wait-list. To keep the service secure, we will be only accepting applications from those who are verified and vouched for.
May 2026 is a generous estimate for when this will be available.
Current Progress Tracker
Phase 1 – Closed Pre-Alpha (Updated 4-24-2025): 45%
Phase 2 – Closed Alpha: 0%
Phase 3 – Closed Beta: 0%
Phase 4 – Stable Version: 0%
What Will Onboarding Look Like?
Wait-List Form Submitted
Once we reach stable release, we will have a form available on this page for you to submit your request to signup for BeaconGIS. Once we receive your form, you’ll be placed on the waiting list..
Formal Invite Sent
Once we receive your form, we will review it for approval. BeaconGIS will be an invite-only service, requiring you to be vouched and verified by someone already using the service. Once approved, you will be sent a formal invite link with instructions on how to sign up for our various services.
2-Factor Authentication Enrollment
In your invitation email, you will be provided a link for you to enroll with our 2-Factor Authentication service, Authentik. 2FA will be required for you to sign into all of our services.
GeoNode Registration
Once you have been authenticated via our 2FA, you’ll be able to continue your registration and setup your GeoNode account. GeoNode is the front-end to BeaconGIS and will have most of the features you would expect from Google MyMaps.
GIS Application Connection with GeoServer
If you wish to access the more advanced features of BeaconGIS, you will need to setup a GIS client. We have planned support for QGIS and QField. These clients will use your GeoNode username and password and will prompt for 2FA upon login.