Mapping Back: Using Public Records to Map Police Surveillance on Roadways

On roadways across the country, police and private companies alike regularly collect data on every driver's travel patterns through automated license plate reader technology (ALPR), camera systems that scan license plates to create enormous databases in real time. This form of surveillance is both ubiquitous and indiscriminate, and can be used to reveal private information about drivers and to map out relationships between drivers.

What if we could gain access to the same data, and map them back? In this Maptime, Dave Maass, a senior investigative researcher at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, has been involved in efforts to do just that. Starting in 2015, EFF began mapping data collected in Oakland to reveal how police are using ALPR. Today, he is helping file 1,000 public record requests with the goal of mapping out how police departments are sharing records with each other. EFF aims to create a detailed snapshot of ALPR mass surveillance network that links law enforcement and other government agencies nationwide--including ICE--by requests to multiple police departments beyond California. At this Maptime, Dave will tell you about ALPR uses maps and how mapping skills can aid efforts to rein in this technology. (For background on ALPR data, see https://www.eff.org/pages/california-automated-license-plate-reader-policies) In addition to previewing some of EFF's activist mapping and plans for future activist mapping efforts, we may also look at some of Open Oakland's crime mapping.

We'll keep some time open for open-hack mapping, as well!

About MapTime

Maptime is, rather literally, time for mapmaking and talking about maps. Our mission is to open the doors of cartographic possibility to anyone interested by creating a time and space for collaborative learning, exploration, and map creation using mapping tools and technologies.

This open learning environment for all levels and degrees of knowledge offers intentional support for the beginner. Maptime is simultaneously flexible and structured, creating space for workshops and for independent/collaborative work time.

Inspiration for Maptime comes from both hack nights and knitting circles, and discussing new mapping tools, and a space for people to create and learn together. Our goal is to provide a safe space for mapping with an open heart and without pretension. We hope you bring your own projects to work on, or just hang out and socialize or ask questions. Some people are experts, and some people are just getting started, but all of us are learning--which it's always best to do together!