We have mapped ALPR camera locations, demographic data, crime data, and traffic data to investigate where surveillance is being placed and why. We invite you to explore these maps to see what types of areas the ALPR cameras are located in the Bay Area. Refer to the instructions on this page for help navigating the maps.
Each map layer and what they mean:
For these maps, we primarily use census tracts, which are small regions defined by the government to collect detailed information about communities, like income, population, and housing. Each tract usually covers a neighborhood-sized area. For each of these layers, some census tracts may not have enough data available, and these will be represented by having no color on the map. Keep in mind that each tract may have a different number of people.
- ALPR Cameras: Each point (grey) represents one ALPR camera.
- Median Income: Each area on the map represents a census tract within the county, and its color shows the median income of people living there. Darker blue areas have the highest incomes, while lighter blue areas have the lowest.
- Race: Each census tract on the map shows the number of white (non-Hispanic) residents living in that part of the county. Darker blue tracts have more white residents, while lighter blue tracts have fewer, indicating more residents of color.
- Crime: This heat map layer shows where crime is concentrated across the county. Areas with higher reported crime levels appear in red, while areas with less crime are shown in lighter shades. Please note this is not by census tract.
- Traffic: This heat map layer shows vehicle traffic based on Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT). AADT estimates how many cars drive through a road segment on a typical day. Areas with higher traffic appear in red, and those with less in yellow or lighter shades. Please note this is not by census tract.
Alameda County
San Francisco County
San Mateo County
Santa Clara County
Data sources: City of San Jose Open Data Portal, San Mateo County Open Data, City of Santa Clara Open Data Portal, Alameda County Open Data Hub, City of San Francisco Open Data, Caltrans