URT is a never-ending project. And so is mine. I would always be able to feed more data. For example, I can add more surveillance cameras on the map at any time. In this sense, I would like to call this still a “process blog” rather than a self-evaluation of a completed project. So I am going to write one more thing like a future plan.
My goal of this project has been (1) visualizing the surveillance network and (2) discussing the problems of the usage of surveillance technology. And they are interconnected because I thought discussion about surveillance could take place after noticing how often the technology appears in our mundane life. So far, I am more focused on goal (1). Most of my “records” are surveillance cameras’ locations and they certainly show the way in which surveillance cameras are put very close to us. However, it is hard to say that goal (2) has been accomplished. Honestly, besides writing an argument about it, I still haven’t figured out how to spatially discuss such issues on the map. It is easy to locate things where they are. However, it is not easy to “locate” arguments. What I imagined was linking an article about controversial incident that is related to a specific surveillance camera. So far, I haven’t identified any specific camera that had been a focal point of discussion surrounding surveillance. I would like to explore other ways of making arguments spatially as well; it is especially hard to make an argument on a standardized mapping tool, since it often operates within a bias – map is scientific and objective. I will remain this issue as a future assignment.
In addition, as I have already shared in the classroom, actual data that I found in Corona do not correspond, at least for now, to my hypothesis – NYPD’s surveillance network is equipped with high-tech that allows “real-time” regulations on population. Because technological innovations in surveillance network infrastructure are on process, I think my hypothesis can be still examined in near future. A place like Lower Manhattan is highly “developed” and those changes are gradually spreading to different areas in the city. Also, although there’s no networked-camera yet installed in the neighborhood of Corona, new technologies like a mobile command center and a Sky Watch are huge changes appeared after 9-11.
Although my project does not have clear connections with other projects on URT, I have to admit that others’ works inspired me and also helped me by giving me good examples.