there is only one way is a comprehensive collection of "one way" sign appearances captured from Google Street View throughout New York City, from 2007 to 2024. The dataset contains 734,700 signs. While the website showcases the imagery, the dataset is also accessible through a unique redemption system using special scratch cards.
The project emerged as a creative offshoot of all text in nyc and was showcased at Small Batch: A Dataset Farmers Market, an event hosted by Claire Hentschker at LARPA.
Dataset
Drawing from my all text in nyc project, this collection specifically focuses on isolating and documenting every "one way" sign visible in NYC's Google Street View imagery.
there is only one way website
Data Redemption Card
The dataset distribution takes an interesting approach through scratch cards reminiscent of traditional digital product redemption systems. Each card provides access to a borough-specific collection of one-way sign data.
Scratch up the card to reveal the secret code. Each code is redeemable for a unique dataset of one-way signs in a specific borough (this one is for The Bronx). Go to the there is only one way website to redeem your dataset.
It's no secret that the design is heavily inspired by the MTA cards.
Data Redemption Popup
Dataset Farmers Market
I participated in Small Batch: A Dataset Farmers Market at LARPA hosted by Claire Hentschker on Dec 15, 2024.
My table at Small Batch: A Dataset Farmers Market
To ensure compliance with fair use of Google Street View, the data cards were distributed free of charge to individuals who made donations to the Internet Archive.
Press
Special thanks to Jon Kalish for covering the market event and sharing our story on PCMag.
