Quiz Entry - updated: 2026.10.15
What do surveillance, observation and monitoring mean, and what types of surveillance are there?
Surveillance (mostly stationary) is targeted observation in a defined context by uninvolved third parties. Observation (mostly mobile) follows one person to record their behaviour without gaps. Monitoring watches processes to detect irregularities. Types: video, digital and self-surveillance.
* Surveillance, observation and monitoring differ in what they watch and how *
The general term surveillance (Überwachung) covers three activities:
| Activity | Typically | Focus | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surveillance | Stationary | Objects or persons in a defined context | Targeted observation and data collection by third parties not involved in the events |
| Observation | Mobile | One person | Complete, gap-free record of their behaviour |
| Monitoring | Continuous | Processes | Detect irregularities |
Types of surveillance:
- Video surveillance: stations, squares, rooms.
- Digital surveillance: Wi-Fi tracking, electronic communication.
- Self-surveillance: through smartphones, apps and wearables, where people record data about themselves.
Go deeper:
Wikipedia: Surveillance — overview of types, technologies and debates.