# Open Camera Cameras are the eyes of a mapping network. With so many cameras in the world already, many people ask: “Why did Hivemapper design and build its own devices? Why can’t I use my smartphone?” The project team tested smartphones and off-the-shelf devices for an early prototype, and learned they were unfortunately not suited to collecting high-quality map data. This blog post includes details. As the saying goes, “people who are really serious about software should make their own hardware.” That's why we developed the **Open Camera (aka “OC”)** specification, which includes the hardware and software required for all supported devices to operate on the Hivemapper Network. This includes a stack of technology that includes: 1. OC Hardware 2. OC Firmware 3. OC API Software ## ODC Hardware The first three OC-compliant devices: * [**Hivemapper Dashcam**](https://app.gitbook.com/o/-MZJxhgXsqOwEu5E6NAx/s/riJnVBjD2PUouCQhWbLM/cameras/hdc-and-hdc-s/2.-mount-dashcam) **(HDC)** * [**Hivemapper Dashcam S**](https://app.gitbook.com/o/-MZJxhgXsqOwEu5E6NAx/s/riJnVBjD2PUouCQhWbLM/~/changes/806/cameras/hdc-and-hdc-s/install-an-hdc-s) **(HDC-S)** * [**Bee**](https://bee.hivemapper.com)**.** However, other manufacturers are able to build devices that meet OC specifications. Third-party hardware manufacturers with the resources and capabilities to support large-scale production of high-quality consumer electronics are encouraged to develop their own compliant devices. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.hivemapper.com/cameras/open-camera.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.