Key Insights
The Image Sensors for Security Applications market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach a substantial size driven by increasing demand for enhanced security measures across various sectors. The market's 8.83% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2019 to 2024 indicates a significant upward trajectory, fueled by several key factors. The proliferation of smart cities, the rising adoption of video surveillance systems in both public and private spaces, and the increasing need for advanced security features in IoT devices are major contributors. Technological advancements, such as the development of higher-resolution sensors, improved low-light performance, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced analytics, are further bolstering market expansion. The segmentation reveals strong growth across all application areas – consumer cameras, commercial cameras, and infrastructure cameras – with the latter experiencing particularly rapid growth due to large-scale deployments in smart city initiatives and critical infrastructure protection. Competition among major players like SmartSens Technology, Canon, Omnivision, and Sony Semiconductor Solutions is intense, driving innovation and price competitiveness.
While the market faces challenges such as the high initial investment costs associated with advanced sensor technologies and potential concerns around data privacy, these are largely outweighed by the significant benefits offered by improved security and operational efficiency. The market's geographic distribution shows strong growth in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by rapid urbanization and increasing investments in security infrastructure. North America and Europe also exhibit significant market presence, reflecting their established security industries and advanced technological infrastructure. The forecast period (2025-2033) promises continued expansion, with market players focusing on developing innovative solutions and strategic partnerships to capture market share and meet the growing demand for sophisticated image sensor technology within security applications. Looking forward, the integration of AI and edge computing capabilities within image sensors will be a key trend shaping the future of this dynamic market.

Image Sensors for Security Application Industry: A Comprehensive Market Report (2019-2033)
This comprehensive report provides a detailed analysis of the Image Sensors for Security Application industry, offering invaluable insights for industry professionals, investors, and strategic decision-makers. With a focus on market dynamics, growth trends, and key players, this report covers the historical period (2019-2024), base year (2025), and forecast period (2025-2033), projecting market size in million units. The report segments the market by application (Consumer Cameras, Commercial Cameras, Infrastructure Cameras) and analyzes the parent market (Image Sensors) and child market (Security Applications).
Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Market Dynamics & Structure
The image sensor market for security applications is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for advanced surveillance systems and smart security solutions. The market is characterized by a moderately concentrated competitive landscape with key players vying for market share through technological innovation and strategic partnerships. Technological advancements, such as higher resolution sensors, improved low-light performance, and advanced image processing capabilities, are key innovation drivers. Regulatory frameworks concerning data privacy and security are significantly impacting market dynamics, influencing product design and deployment strategies. The competitive landscape includes both established players and emerging companies, with a growing trend towards mergers and acquisitions (M&A) aimed at expanding market reach and technological capabilities.
- Market Concentration: Moderately concentrated, with top 5 players holding approximately xx% of the market share in 2025.
- Technological Innovation Drivers: Higher resolution, improved low-light performance, AI-powered image processing, and miniaturization.
- Regulatory Frameworks: GDPR, CCPA, and other data privacy regulations impacting data storage and security protocols.
- Competitive Product Substitutes: Limited direct substitutes, but alternative security technologies (e.g., radar, lidar) present indirect competition.
- End-User Demographics: Growth driven by government agencies, commercial businesses, and residential consumers.
- M&A Trends: Increasing M&A activity, with xx major deals recorded between 2019 and 2024.
Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Growth Trends & Insights
The image sensor market for security applications has exhibited robust growth during the historical period (2019-2024), with a CAGR of xx%. This growth is attributed to several factors, including the increasing adoption of CCTV systems, the rise of smart homes and cities, and the expanding use of video analytics for security applications. The market is expected to continue its growth trajectory during the forecast period (2025-2033), driven by technological advancements, increasing urbanization, and rising security concerns. Market penetration is expected to reach xx% by 2033, fueled by decreasing sensor costs and increasing affordability. Technological disruptions, such as the integration of AI and machine learning into image processing, are revolutionizing the capabilities of security cameras and further driving market expansion. Shifting consumer behavior towards greater security awareness and preference for smart security solutions are also positive contributors to market growth.

Dominant Regions, Countries, or Segments in Image Sensors for Security Application Industry
North America currently holds the largest market share in the image sensors for security applications market, driven by strong demand from the commercial and government sectors. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth rate during the forecast period, fueled by rapid urbanization and increasing adoption of advanced surveillance technologies in countries like China and India. Within the application segments, infrastructure cameras are expected to be the fastest-growing segment, driven by government initiatives to improve public safety and national security.
- Key Drivers in North America: Robust government spending on security infrastructure, advanced technological adoption.
- Key Drivers in Asia-Pacific: Rapid urbanization, increasing government investments in security infrastructure, rising disposable incomes.
- Infrastructure Cameras Segment Dominance: Driven by large-scale deployments in smart cities and national security projects.
Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Product Landscape
The market offers a diverse range of image sensors tailored for various security applications, encompassing different resolutions, sensitivities, and form factors. Recent innovations include improved low-light performance, higher dynamic range capabilities, and the integration of on-chip image processing functionalities. These advancements enhance image quality and enable sophisticated analytics, contributing to enhanced security and surveillance capabilities. Unique selling propositions include features such as wide dynamic range, high frame rates, and integration with AI-powered analytics platforms. Technological advancements are primarily focused on increasing resolution, improving low-light performance, and decreasing power consumption.
Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in Image Sensors for Security Application Industry
Key Drivers:
- Increasing demand for advanced surveillance systems.
- Growing adoption of smart city initiatives.
- Rise of IoT and connected security devices.
- Technological advancements in image sensors.
Challenges and Restraints:
- Data privacy and security concerns.
- High initial investment costs for advanced systems.
- Dependence on robust internet connectivity for remote monitoring.
- Potential supply chain disruptions impacting sensor availability.
Emerging Opportunities in Image Sensors for Security Application Industry
Emerging opportunities include the integration of image sensors with other technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain to create more sophisticated security systems. The development of specialized sensors for unique security applications, such as facial recognition or perimeter surveillance, presents substantial potential. Furthermore, expanding into developing economies with growing security needs offers significant untapped market potential.
Growth Accelerators in the Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Industry
Long-term growth is fueled by ongoing technological innovations, strategic partnerships between sensor manufacturers and security system integrators, and the expansion into new and emerging markets. The increasing adoption of cloud-based video surveillance solutions and the development of advanced analytics capabilities are further driving industry growth.
Key Players Shaping the Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Market
- SmartSens Technology (Shanghai) Co Ltd
- Canon Inc
- Omnivision Technologies Inc
- ST Microelectronics
- Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
- Galaxycore
- Toshiba Corporation
- SK Hynix Inc
- Semiconductor Components Industries LLC
- Panasonic Holdings Corporation
Notable Milestones in Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Sector
- 2020: Introduction of high-resolution image sensors with advanced low-light capabilities by Sony.
- 2021: Partnership between Omnivision and a major security system integrator to launch a new AI-powered surveillance camera.
- 2022: Acquisition of a smaller sensor manufacturer by STMicroelectronics, expanding its market reach.
- 2023: Launch of a new line of cost-effective sensors targeting the residential security market by SmartSens.
- 2024: Increased regulatory focus on data privacy leading to the development of enhanced security protocols.
In-Depth Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Market Outlook
The image sensor market for security applications is poised for continued robust growth, driven by technological advancements, increasing security concerns, and expanding global adoption. Strategic partnerships, investments in research and development, and the development of innovative applications will further fuel market expansion. The market's future potential lies in the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI and IoT, creating sophisticated and adaptive security solutions. The focus on data privacy and security will continue to shape the industry's trajectory, requiring manufacturers to prioritize secure and compliant solutions.
Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Segmentation
-
1. Application
- 1.1. Consumer Cameras
- 1.2. Commercial Cameras
- 1.3. Infrastructure Cameras
Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Segmentation By Geography
- 1. North America
- 2. Europe
- 3. Asia Pacific
- 4. Latin America
- 5. Middle East and Africa

Image Sensors for Security Application Industry REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 8.83% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. The Emergence of Edge Computing is Key for the Security Industry; Growing Demand from Smart Cities
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. High Manufacturing Costs of Large Chip Image Sensors
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Growing Demand From Smart Cities
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 5.1.1. Consumer Cameras
- 5.1.2. Commercial Cameras
- 5.1.3. Infrastructure Cameras
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.2.1. North America
- 5.2.2. Europe
- 5.2.3. Asia Pacific
- 5.2.4. Latin America
- 5.2.5. Middle East and Africa
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6. North America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6.1.1. Consumer Cameras
- 6.1.2. Commercial Cameras
- 6.1.3. Infrastructure Cameras
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7. Europe Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7.1.1. Consumer Cameras
- 7.1.2. Commercial Cameras
- 7.1.3. Infrastructure Cameras
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8. Asia Pacific Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8.1.1. Consumer Cameras
- 8.1.2. Commercial Cameras
- 8.1.3. Infrastructure Cameras
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 9. Latin America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 9.1.1. Consumer Cameras
- 9.1.2. Commercial Cameras
- 9.1.3. Infrastructure Cameras
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 10. Middle East and Africa Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 10.1.1. Consumer Cameras
- 10.1.2. Commercial Cameras
- 10.1.3. Infrastructure Cameras
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 11. North America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 11.1.1.
- 12. Europe Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 12.1.1.
- 13. Asia Pacific Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 13.1.1.
- 14. Latin America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 14.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 14.1.1.
- 15. Middle East and Africa Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 15.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 15.1.1.
- 16. Competitive Analysis
- 16.1. Global Market Share Analysis 2024
- 16.2. Company Profiles
- 16.2.1 SmartSens Technology (Shanghai) Co Ltd
- 16.2.1.1. Overview
- 16.2.1.2. Products
- 16.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.2 Canon Inc
- 16.2.2.1. Overview
- 16.2.2.2. Products
- 16.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.3 Omnivision Technologies Inc
- 16.2.3.1. Overview
- 16.2.3.2. Products
- 16.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.4 ST Microelctronics
- 16.2.4.1. Overview
- 16.2.4.2. Products
- 16.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.5 Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
- 16.2.5.1. Overview
- 16.2.5.2. Products
- 16.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.6 Galaxycore
- 16.2.6.1. Overview
- 16.2.6.2. Products
- 16.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.7 Toshiba Corporation*List Not Exhaustive
- 16.2.7.1. Overview
- 16.2.7.2. Products
- 16.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.8 SK Hynix Inc
- 16.2.8.1. Overview
- 16.2.8.2. Products
- 16.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.9 Semiconductor Components Industries LLC
- 16.2.9.1. Overview
- 16.2.9.2. Products
- 16.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.10 Panasonic Holdings Corporation
- 16.2.10.1. Overview
- 16.2.10.2. Products
- 16.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.1 SmartSens Technology (Shanghai) Co Ltd
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Region 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 3: North America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 4: Europe Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 5: Europe Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 6: Asia Pacific Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 7: Asia Pacific Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 8: Latin America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 9: Latin America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 10: Middle East and Africa Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 11: Middle East and Africa Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 12: North America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 13: North America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 14: North America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 15: North America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 16: Europe Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 17: Europe Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 18: Europe Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 19: Europe Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 20: Asia Pacific Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 21: Asia Pacific Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 22: Asia Pacific Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 23: Asia Pacific Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 24: Latin America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 25: Latin America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 26: Latin America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 27: Latin America Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 28: Middle East and Africa Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 29: Middle East and Africa Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 30: Middle East and Africa Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 31: Middle East and Africa Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Global Image Sensors for Security Application Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Image Sensors for Security Application Industry?
The projected CAGR is approximately 8.83%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Image Sensors for Security Application Industry?
Key companies in the market include SmartSens Technology (Shanghai) Co Ltd, Canon Inc, Omnivision Technologies Inc, ST Microelctronics, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation, Galaxycore, Toshiba Corporation*List Not Exhaustive, SK Hynix Inc, Semiconductor Components Industries LLC, Panasonic Holdings Corporation.
3. What are the main segments of the Image Sensors for Security Application Industry?
The market segments include Application.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
The Emergence of Edge Computing is Key for the Security Industry; Growing Demand from Smart Cities.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Growing Demand From Smart Cities.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
High Manufacturing Costs of Large Chip Image Sensors.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
N/A
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Image Sensors for Security Application Industry," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Image Sensors for Security Application Industry report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Image Sensors for Security Application Industry?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Image Sensors for Security Application Industry, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence