[1] By obtaining information about the encryption of the different hotspots, WiGLE tries to create an awareness of the need for security by running a wireless network.

[15][16] In early days, circa 2003 the lack of mapping was criticized, and was said to force WiFi seekers to use more primitive methods.

"The most primitive method disseminated is warchalking, where mappers inscribe a symbolic markup on the physical premises to indicate the presence of a wireless network in the area."

Regarding WiGLE in particular, it was said, "The Netstumbler map site and the Wireless Geographic Logging Engine store more detailed wardrive trace data, yet do not offer any visualization format that is particularly useful or informative.

"[18] In late 2004, other authors stated, "that war driving is now ubiquitous: a good illustration of this is provided by the WiGLE.net online database of WAPS."

[26] Although the apps used to collect information are open sourced,[27] the database itself is accessed and distributed under a freeware proprietary license.