Install an HDC
Tips to get started with a Hivemapper Dashcam (HDC)
Note: The HDC was discontinued in 2024. We will keep this guide available for reference.
What's Included
Hivemapper Dashcam (HDC)
Safety Pamphlet
12V Auxiliary Power Cord
Mount
Approved Vehicles & Mount Positions
Vehicles with at least four wheels are currently approved including cars, vans and trucks of all sizes.
Vehicles that do not have four wheels are not approved at this time. This includes: bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, motorcycles.
High-quality usable imagery begins with great mount positions. There are currently four approved mount positions (as shown below). A maximum of two dashcams can be mounted per vehicle: one forward-facing and one side-facing.
If you decide to mount the dashcam side-facing which do not perform as well as forward facing mounts, it must face the sidewalk and buildings (i.e., mounted on the passenger side of the vehicle). Consider clarity of view when mounting your dashcam.
Check out alternative dashcam accessories here.
How to Mount
Tips for producing valuable map imagery and data:
Avoid mounting on tinted windows
Avoid capturing too much of your vehicle's interior
Remove objects from your dashboard that can personally identify you
Avoid too much tilt towards the sky or the road
For a forward-facing mount, the dashcam should be mounted in the center of the vehicle and aligned with the horizon.
For a side-facing mount, the dashcam should be mounted on the side of the vehicle closest to the sidewalk and buildings (i.e. the passenger side). Again, the dashcam should be aligned with the horizon.
You may need to tilt the dashcam up ~10 degrees to ensure you capture more of the environment and less of your vehicle. Showing some vehicle in your dashcam imagery is preferable to having the dashcam tilted too high and capturing images which are mostly of the sky.
Powering Up
LED Lights
There are three lights on the back of the Hivemapper Dashcam (HDC).
If you mounted the dashcam correctly, these lights are facing you on the left side of the dashcam. When the dashcam boots up, these lights illuminate. They all turn solid blue once the dashcam has found a GPS lock, and is collecting images.
For the top indicator light:
• Solid blue means the dashcam is actively mapping. • Light blue means the dashcam is connected but not actively mapping. • Yellow means the dashcam needs to be connected to the app. • Red means mapping is paused.
Once the dashcam has power from your vehicle, it automatically starts mapping.
Next Steps
Download and pair the Hivemapper Companion App to finish setting up your dashcam.
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