ESP32 sensor board | KiCad stitching confusion

[evagreen4021-hash]

Hi guys.. I’m working on small ESP32 sensor board, prototype works fine on breadboard (temp sensor + oled display)… now trying to make PCB in KiCad but little confused with ground plane and vias. Following this Guide:

https://www.pcbway.com/blog/PCB_Basic_Information/What_are_Stitching_Vias_PCB_Knowledge_b1c5c187.html
I added GND plane on bottom layer, read GND planes here:

https://www.aivon.com/blog/pcb-design/mastering-ground-plane-partitioning-a-comprehensive-guide-for-signal-integrity/ but KiCad showing many unconnected areas and asking for vias.. not sure where exactly vias should go.. should i place them manually around board or only near components??
Also for esp32 module, should ground vias be close to module pads or anywhere on plane is ok?.. sorry if basic question.. first time doing 2 layer pcb and dont want noise problems later..

[miketeachman]

I suggest a better place to seek an answer on mastering KiCad ground planes is a KiCad forum

[bikeNomad]

As @miketeachman points out, this isn't the best place to ask.

But having made several ESP32 boards, I'd recommend reading the Espressif hardware guidelines (especially for grounding and antenna clearance).

If you have a 2-layer board with ground zones on both sides, when you route signal traces it'll break up the zones so individual areas aren't connected to the GND net any more. Using vias between the now-isolated areas on one side and non-isolated areas on the other side gives you continuity.

[Himanshudada1]

Use a full ground plane on the bottom layer and make sure there are no floating copper areas—either remove them or connect them using vias. Place stitching vias around the board edges, near the ESP32 ground pins, and close to decoupling capacitors and components to ensure a proper return path. Avoid placing vias randomly, and do not put any ground plane or vias under the ESP32 antenna area. The key rule is to place vias where the current return path exists, not arbitrarily. This is the same practical approach followed when you hire ESP32 developer for reliable, low-noise PCB design.