DESCRIPTION
For MAP London Projects 2002, the Institute for Applied Autonomy (I.A.A.) proposes to host a public workshop in London to develop a tactical resource for avoiding closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. Using GPS receivers, portable computers, and software developed by the IAA, participants in the workshop will document locations of CCTV cameras in selected areas of London. The data collected in the workshop will be used to generate a web-based map showing documented CCTV locations. Called "iSee/LONDON," the website will use artificial intelligence algorithms developed by the IAA to help people avoid CCTV cameras. After the workshop is concluded, participants continue data-collection efforts to extend iSee/LONDON's coverage of additional London neighborhoods.

In addition to providing a valuable resource for activists and privacy advocates, this project is expected to promote discussion and debate about CCTV surveillance of public space among participants, and with the public at large.

BACKGROUND
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance of public space is on the rise throughout Europe and the United States. Nowhere is this more true than in the UK, where an estimated 1.5 to 2 million CCTV cameras keep the citizenry under constant surveillance. Although politicians and CCTV manufacturers tout these systems as a "silver bullet" for reducing urban crime, studies show little correlation between video surveillance and actual crime rates. What these studies have shown, however, is an alarming pattern of CCTV abuse. In a disturbing corollary to "racial profiling," camera operators routinely single out law-abiding minorities and youth. Women are also often the subject of voyeuristic attention by CCTV operators. Political activists are also at risk. CCTV cameras are often placed in known activist gathering locations to deter organizing. At demonstrations, police offers rely on CCTV footage to identify organizers and agitators who are later singled out for harrassment and/or arrest.

In 2001, the Institute for Applied Autonomy released "iSee", an "inverse surveillance" system that helps people track and avoid CCTV cameras (www.appliedautonomy.com/isee/). Visitors to the iSee website are presented with a map of New York City, highlighting surveillance camera locations. Users click the map to indicate a current location and desired destination, and iSee's route-planning algorithm provides a 'path of least surveillance' avoiding as many cameras as possible. This map may be printed out for later use.

Since it's launching in October of 2001, iSee has produced well over 200,000 unique maps. In addition, iSee has provoked public debate over CCTV use in such publications as Wired Magazine and the London Financial Times, and on websites including Slashdot and Fox News. ISee is also featured on Yahoo's "Travel and Transportation" guide to New York City. The Institute for Applied Autonomy is currently working to expand iSee to cover additional cities and to make iSee available to wireless devices.

For MAP London Projects 2002, the IAA will hold public workshops directed at collecting data necessary to develop iSee/LONDON. Similar to the New York City map, iSee/LONDON will help London-based users avoid CCTV surveillance. Towards this effort, the IAA will develop a data collection kit utilizing GPS receivers and portable computers. During the workshops, IAA will train participants on the use of the data collection kit in a limited geographic area, and will distribute software. London-based activists will then continue the data collection effort independently.

BUDGET
workshop expenses
air travel to London for 3 IAA operatives  1000 GBP
4 days food, accommodations, & expenses in London 1250 GBP
workshop materials production     200 GBP
     subtotal 2450 GBP
data collection and website equipment
 PC server w. network access    900 GBP
 PDA w. wireless service     700 GBP
 GPS device      200 GBP
     subtotal 1800 GBP

artist fee       750 GBP

      TOTAL 5000 GBP

Ownership of webserver, PDAs, and GPS devices used in workshop will be retained by the IAA at the project's conclusion.

All amounts are estimates based on current prices and exchange rates, and are subject to change.

ADDITIONAL MAP CONTRIBUTION
In addition to financial support detailed above, we will require MAP's assistance with the following:
1. identifying suitable group of London based activists to participate in workshop and conduct post-workshop data collection
2. identify appropriate area of London for data collection
3. provide suitable workshop venue, ideally in close proximity to data collection site
4. provide support materials, including computer with internet access and data projection capabilities, for use in workshop.
5. coordinate post-workshop data collection.