by: Julian Bruinsma

This map shows the billboards in Detroit using a dataset from MDOT. You can find the complete dataset at DetroitData.org.

The placement of billboards along major roadways reflect the busiest throughfares in the city. In a world of increasingly individualized and targeted advertising, billboards represent one of the last communal advertising experiences. The relative accessibility of billboard advertising creates a space for local organizations and businesses in a world dominated by mega-corporations. Coming back from abroad, I knew I was home as soon as saw Joumana Kayrouz’s face.

This map was part of the Visualizing Detroit: The Art of Data competition and exhibit in March 2026.