During the Start Making Sense kick-off event, concerned citizens, activists, and researchers joined forces to explore the heart of Rotterdam through a new kind of city walk — the Camera Spotting Tour.
In just 45 minutes, participants identified over 200 cameras, ranging from doorbell cams and PTZ systems to traffic enforcement and dome cameras. Each camera was tagged with key attributes such as type, purpose, and placement, helping to create an open, visual record of sensor presence in public space.
interactive Map
Click on the markers below to find more information about the spotted cameras and attributes. Use your mouse wheel to zoom in/out and pan around.
SPOT YOUR OWN CAMERAS!
Download the EPICOLLECT APP from the Google Play or Apple iTunes stores. No need to create an account or login, just download and use. Open the Epicollect5 app. Click “+ Add Project” button on top right screen and type in “CAMERA SPOTTING TOUR 010” in search field (A) until the result appears in field below (B). Find a new camera/sensor? Click on “+Add Entry” (C) and accept the location and camera permissions. (D) Answer the prompts. When finished, click on the “NEXT >” Click on “Save Entry” Button.On your entry overview page you will see a list of sensors you discovered. IMPORTANT: when you are all done documenting sensors, be sure to click the Upload button (E) so you can share your sensors with the project team. Edit entries anytime by clicking on entry title and the edit button (F)
This interactive mapping exercise not only revealed the density and diversity of surveillance technologies in the city but also sparked reflection on transparency, accountability, and urban sensing — themes central to the development of a public Sensor Register and citizen engagement in smart city governance.
Explore the map, discover the legend of camera types, and dive into the insights gathered from this collective urban sensing experiment.
About Civic Interaction Design: Civic Interaction Design is an interdisciplinary research group at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. Through close collaboration with students, designers, technologists, policymakers, governments, researchers, and citizens, they explore how design and technology can enrich civic life. Their mission is to foster meaningful public interactions that promote collective well-being and democratic participation in a rapidly digitizing society. More info, please visit: https://civicinteractiondesign.com