San Diego researchers build real-time AI map of homelessness
By Kate Murphy
Published on April 21, 2026.
San Diego State University researchers have developed a real-time map of the homeless population and resources across the city, using AI technology to identify locations of homeless encampments in San Diego using aerial photos and street view images or videos. The map shows hot spots of homelessness in specific neighborhoods, movement and migration patterns throughout the year. This could help identify where homeless people are moving and where outreach workers and street health teams are located. However, critics argue that this could put a target on homeless people due to the lack of resources for combating homelessness. The project is funded by a National Science Foundation grant and plans to collaborate with local organizations and government agencies to continue working on the project.
Read Original Article