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| single | DeFlock Mobile App User Guide | /deflock-mobile-guide/ | Learn how to use our mobile app to find and report cameras | 2025-10-24 19:07:36 -0600 | false | wide |
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Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why Map Surveillance?
- Getting Started
- Your First Device: A Complete Walkthrough
- Core Features
- Advanced Features
- Tips & Best Practices
- Troubleshooting
- Join the Movement
Introduction: Why Map Surveillance?
Mass surveillance infrastructure is expanding rapidly in our communities, often without public awareness or consent. Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), AI-powered cameras, gunshot detection systems, and other surveillance devices are being installed by the thousands—but where are they, who operates them, and what are their capabilities?
DeFlock makes surveillance infrastructure visible. By documenting these devices and uploading the data to OpenStreetMap, we create a transparent, searchable record of the surveillance apparatus in our communities. Knowledge is power, and transparency is the first step toward accountability.
What is OpenStreetMap?
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is the "Wikipedia of maps"; a collaborative, open-source mapping platform where anyone can contribute geographic data. Unlike corporate mapping services, OSM is community-owned and freely accessible. When you map surveillance devices with DeFlock, you're contributing to this global commons.
You must have a free OpenStreetMap account before submitting new data through DeFlock.
What Makes DeFlock Different
- Privacy-respecting: We collect no user data. Everything stays on your device except what you choose to upload to OpenStreetMap.
- Intuitive UI: DeFlock makes it easy to view and contribute map data.
- Offline-capable: Download map areas and work completely offline, then sync when you have internet.
- Manufacturer-aware: Built-in profiles for Flock Safety, Motorola, Genetec, and other major surveillance vendors.
- Community-driven: Part of the broader movement for surveillance transparency.
Getting Started
Installation
Download DeFlock from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
LINKS<<
Initial Setup
- Grant location permission to let the map follow you as you move. While optional, this is helpful for quickly mapping objects as you see them.
- Enable notification permissions to receive alerts as you approach nearby surveillance infrastructure on the map.
[Screenshot: Permission dialogs]
Connecting to OpenStreetMap
Before you can submit surveillance data, you need to connect your OpenStreetMap account:
- Open the Settings menu (gear icon)
- Tap Log in to OpenStreetMap
- Authenticate with your OpenStreetMap credentials
- Authorize DeFlock to modify the map for you
- Test your connection to OSM to verify everything is ready
[Screenshot: Settings > Authentication screen]
The app will securely store your authentication tokens. You only need to log in once.
Understanding the Interface
The main screen shows:
- Map view with your current location if available
- "New Node" button to submit new nodes to OSM
- Settings gear for configuration
- Search button to find specific locations on the map
- Follow-me toggle for GPS tracking (off/follow/follow+rotate)
- "Download" button to store the visible area locally for offline use
[Screenshot: Main interface with annotations]
Map Controls:
- Pinch to zoom in/out
- Drag to pan around the map
- Two-finger rotate to change orientation
- Tap markers to see device details
Your First Device: A Complete Walkthrough
Let's map your first surveillance camera step-by-step.
Step 1: Find a Device
Start with an obvious surveillance camera—perhaps at a traffic intersection, parking lot, or building entrance. Position yourself where you can safely observe the device while using your phone.
[Screenshot: User in field with visible camera]
Step 2: Add the Device
- Tap the "New Node" button at the bottom of the screen
- Position the pin precisely on the camera location by dragging the map
- Set the direction using the slider; the shaded field-of-view cone reacts live
[Screenshot: Add node interface with positioning controls]
Step 3: Choose a Device Profile
DeFlock includes profiles for major surveillance manufacturers:
- Flock Safety: AI powered mass surveillance cameras
- Motorola/Vigilant: Professional ALPR systems
- Genetec: Security cameras and systems
- Leonardo/ELSAG: Law enforcement ALPR
Select the profile that best matches your device, or create a custom profile if none apply.
[Screenshot: Profile selection screen]
Step 4: Add Details
The profile will pre-fill common tags, but you can add an Operator Profile if you know the entity responsible for the installation.
[Screenshot: Tag editing interface]
Step 5: Submit
Tap Submit to add the device to your upload queue. You'll see the node change color to purple, indicating it's pending submission.
[Screenshot: Confirmation and purple pin]
Congratulations! You've just documented your first surveillance device. The data will sync to OpenStreetMap automatically when you have internet connectivity, and the node will turn blue once submitted. (This can take a long time on OSM, potentially over an hour. Do not re-submit nodes which appear to be failing without first checking your submitted changesets in the OSM console online.)
Core Features
Understanding Pin Colors
DeFlock uses color-coded pins to show device status:
- Blue: Confirmed devices from OpenStreetMap
- Purple: New devices waiting to upload
- Grey: Original device with pending edits
- Orange: Device currently being edited
- Red: Device queued for deletion
[Screenshots of different colored pins]
Device Types You Can Map
Cameras:
- Security cameras (dome, bullet, PTZ)
- Traffic enforcement cameras
- License plate readers (ALPR/ANPR)
Audio Surveillance:
- Gunshot detection systems (ShotSpotter, etc.)
- Audio recording devices
Other Surveillance:
- Cell site simulators (Stingray devices)
- Facial recognition systems
- Any other automated surveillance infrastructure
Etc
- Technically there is nothing stopping you from creating a profile containing the OSM tags which describe park benches or anything else
Editing Existing Devices
Found an error or want to add more details to an existing device?
- Tap the node on the map
- Tap "Edit" in the popup
- Modify position or direction by dragging the map or slider
- Update tags as needed by selecting a profile (original tags will be replaced)
- Submit your changes
The original pin turns grey and a new purple pin appears, showing your proposed changes.
[Screenshot: Editing workflow]
Working Offline
DeFlock is built for field work, even without internet:
-
Download map areas before heading out:
- Tap "Download" to save the current viewable area
- Select maximum level of detail (17 recommended for accurate placement)
- View download progress and name your areas in Settings > Offline
- Downloaded areas will fetch the currently selected tile type
-
Work normally while offline—all features work the same
-
Sync when back online—your uploads will process automatically
[Screenshot: Offline area download interface] [Screenshot: Offline settings page]
Upload Queue Management
View and manage your pending uploads:
- Go to Settings > Upload Queue
- See all pending operations (creates, edits, deletions)
- Retry failed uploads or cancel if needed
[Screenshot: Upload queue screen]
Suspected Locations
DeFlock can display "suspected locations"; sites where utility permits suggest possible surveillance infrastructure installations. These appear as orange question mark dots on the map. Only available in select locations; more will be added regularly.
- Enable suspected locations: Under Settings > Advanced
- Toggle visibility: Turn on "Show Suspected Locations"
- Adjust filtering: Set minimum distance to hide suspected locations near confirmed devices
- Update data: Tap "Refresh now" to download latest permit data
[Screenshot: Suspected locations settings] [Screenshot: Map showing question mark markers]
What are suspected locations? These are derived from utility permit data indicating potential surveillance infrastructure installation sites. The data is collected and hosted by alprwatch.org. While not confirmed surveillance devices, they represent locations worth investigating when you're out mapping.
Proximity Alerts
Get notified when you approach mapped surveillance devices, even when the app is in the background.
- Enable alerts: Go to Settings > Proximity Alerts
- Grant notification permission when prompted
- Set alert distance: Choose how close (25-200 meters) you need to be for alerts
- Battery usage: Note that continuous location monitoring uses extra battery
[Screenshot: Proximity alerts settings] [Screenshot: Notification example]
Types of alerts:
- Push notifications: When app is in background (requires notification permission)
- In-app banners: Visual alerts when app is active
- Audio: System notification sound
Location Search
Find specific addresses, businesses, or points of interest on the map.
- Tap the search button to open the search interface
- Enter location: Type an address, business name, or place
- Select result: Choose from the search results to jump to that location on the map
[Screenshot: Search interface]
Advanced Features
Custom Device Profiles
Create your own profiles for recurring device types:
- Go to Settings > Device Profiles
- Tap "+" to create new profile
- Name your profile (e.g., "City Traffic Cam")
- Select whether this type of device has a directionality component
- Select whether your profile is eligible to be used for submissions to OSM
- Set OSM tags for this device type (see https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Map_features)
- Save and use in future mapping
[Screenshot: Profile creation interface]
Multiple Map Layers
Switch between different map styles for better visibility:
- OpenStreetMap: Standard community-maintained maps
- Satellite: High-resolution aerial imagery
- Topographic: Terrain and elevation data
- Custom providers: Add your own tile sources
Access via the layer switcher in the bottom-right corner.
[Screenshot: Layer switcher menu]
Operator Profiles
For professional mappers tracking specific surveillance programs:
- Settings > Operator Profiles
- Create profiles for surveillance operators (police departments, private companies)
- Assign operators when adding devices using "Refine Tags" button before submission
Advanced Settings
Proximity Alert Settings:
- Alert distance: 25-200 meters (default: 50m)
Suspected Location Settings:
- Minimum distance: Filter out suspected locations near confirmed devices (default: 50m)
- Data updates: Manual refresh of permit data
Map Behavior:
- Follow-me modes: Off, north-up, or rotating with movement
- Network indicator: Show connection status
- Max nodes: Limit number of nodes displayed for performance
[Screenshot: Advanced settings screen]
Tips & Best Practices
Accurate Positioning
- Use satellite imagery to verify exact placement
- Double-check field of view—the cone should point where the camera looks
Safety First
- Never trespass or put yourself at risk to map a device
- Stay on public property and observe from safe distances
- Be aware of your surroundings when using your phone in traffic areas
Quality Contributions
- Be careful about placement and direction to ensure precision and accuracy
- Use specific profiles rather than "Generic" when you can identify the manufacturer
- Include operators when known (especially for public installations)
- Verify accuracy before submitting—incorrect data hurts the project
- Submit only new data you can personally verify; do not use Google street view
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
"No devices appearing on map"
- Check your zoom level; zoom in closer to see devices
- Verify internet connection for loading data
- Ensure you are not in offline mode, or have data downloaded for the current area
"Upload failed"
- Confirm you're logged into OpenStreetMap
- Check internet connectivity
- Retry from the Upload Queue in settings
"GPS not accurate"
- Enable high-accuracy location in device settings
- Wait for GPS lock; a clear view of the sky helps
- Use satellite imagery to verify placement
Getting Help
- Documentation: deflock.me
- Community: Join our Discord (link on website)
- Issues: Report bugs on our GitHub repository
- Email: Contact us directly via the website
Join the Movement
Every device you map makes surveillance infrastructure a little more visible, a little more accountable. You're contributing to a global database that researchers, journalists, and communities can use to understand the scope of modern surveillance.
Thank you for helping make surveillance transparent.
Ready to start mapping? Download DeFlock today and begin documenting the surveillance infrastructure in your community.