A method and system is provided for capturing data from a population of device users with network access. A requestor may request a data capture. The requested data may include, for example, a geographical location or a desired subject matter. Devices capable of providing the requested data capture are identified and requested to provide the data. The devices may be identified based on location, capabilities, availability, etc. The data capture from the identified federated devices may be sent to the requestor. The data may be exchanged for a fee, determined by prearrangement or via an economic model such as a competitive auction.