MapQuest will now show you where Flock cameras are in your neighborhood

MapQuest has introduced a new feature in its app that allows users to view the locations of known outdoor surveillance cameras within their neighborhoods. This addition comes after the mapping service's recent surge in popularity, driven by its refusal to refer to Lake Ontario as "Lake America" - an unusual stance compared to competitors like Google Maps and Apple Maps. The app also recently added Android Auto support and public transit directions, making it a more comprehensive tool for users.

One of the most useful new features is the ability to toggle a layer that displays known outdoor surveillance cameras and license plate readers. This includes cameras from various providers such as Flock, Motorola Solutions (Vigilant), Genetec, Axis Communications, Axon, Leonardo (ELSAG), Neology, Rekor, PlateSmart, Ubicquia, and Verkada. The layer is conveniently located alongside options to view traffic and incidents, making it easy for users to find within the app.

While this feature may not allow users to easily avoid these cameras during their commute or regular routes, it provides valuable insight into the prevalence of surveillance cameras in their area. This information could be particularly useful for those looking to remove surveillance cameras from their neighborhoods. The introduction of this feature has been met with enthusiasm, with even a short video announcement set to the tune of Rockwell's "Somebody's Watching Me."