3D Surveillance — how instant insights and automated alerts protect critical infrastructure

Author:Nils Protzner is Sales and Marketing Director, 3D Surveillance, at Hexagon's Geosystems division

Inadequate infrastructure security can have severe consequences — but traditional solutions have their limitations. Hexagon’s smart 3D Surveillance combines sensor fusion, edge computing and AI to address security challenges

Inadequate security measures on your essential infrastructure can have severe consequences

Consider the rail industry: If a vandal cuts the cables on a vital mechanism that controls train signals, train safety is jeopardised. To avoid train collisions or derailments and thus significant damage to property and potentially loss of life, the operating company must shut down the service until the infrastructure is repaired and the network is up and running again. The disruption affects the rail ecosystem itself, but also the people using the trains, the transportation of cargo and more. The financial cost of repairing the damage, restoring signal functionality, and compensating for delays can be substantial. For another example, consider electrical substations: A fire or targeted attack can damage the system and lead to devastating power outages.

Traditional surveillance limitations

Traditional video surveillance has its limits when it comes to protecting transformer stations. The facilities are often located in rural areas, where straying animals or flying leaves trigger false alarms. 3D Surveillance solutions overcome these challenges by volumetrically securing the area. The system immediately detects intruders (only raising the alarm in the event of a human intruder) and can even identify drone attacks.

Protecting critical infrastructure with 3D surveillance

Critical infrastructure must be monitored. It remains at risk if operators do not have systems for monitoring entire areas rather than just the periphery; if security personnel has limited information in case of an intrusion; and if security response protocols are not automated. 3D Surveillance is an important tool for protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of those who rely on it.

Integrating LiDAR technology, 3D Surveillance solutions provide a comprehensive view of the area being monitored with real-time monitoring and response, protecting critical infrastructure from damage and providing a more comprehensive security system.

Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence

Security personnel can identify and verify threats more easily and track the movements of individuals or vehicles, as well as respond to incidents as they happen. 3D Surveillance systems can be equipped with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to detect patterns and anomalies that may indicate a potential threat. This can help to prevent potential attacks or accidents before they occur, as well as enable more accurate responses to incidents

3D Surveillance can also help tackle the talent challenge in the industry: Recruiting security professionals involves extensive background checks, and jobs in the industry are notorious for their low salaries, which results in high staff turnover. Turning to autonomy by implementing sensor- and software-based solutions requires fewer, if any, in-person patrols and ensures reliable infrastructure protection

Additional security measures

In many countries, more stringent legislation now mandates the implementation of additional security measures to safeguard critical infrastructure, particularly at a country’s points of entry, such as airports and harbours. Protecting the perimeter is no longer enough.

For instance, airport management must ensure that critical areas, including the space around aircraft and near unauthorised access points, are secure. While multilayered screening of individuals at the perimeter is a valuable security measure, it must be complemented by smooth and efficient surveillance of the entire area, which can only be achieved through advanced technology.

Different adoption rates

3D Surveillance technology is only beginning to gain traction in most locations, and adoption rates differ significantly from one region to another. Scandinavia and Eastern Europe have embraced 3D Surveillance to a greater extent than Western Europe. Regions with lower adoption rates will likely catch up as they seek to reinforce the security of their critical infrastructure, especially given the conflict in Eastern Europe.

Vandalism and damage protection

3D Surveillance offers reliable protection against vandalism and damage — major concerns for companies that rely on critical infrastructure. LiDAR-based, software-enhanced 3D Surveillance solutions provide real-time insights and enable automatic processing of the information so that operators can autonomously and quickly detect and respond to potential threats.

These solutions are scalable and customisable, allowing companies to adapt their security measures to their unique needs and changing environments. 3D Surveillance enhances the security of critical infrastructure, reduces the risk of downtime and loss of revenue, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.

Asset management and maintenance planning

Beyond its security benefits, 3D Surveillance can help with tasks such as asset management and maintenance planning. It can help identify potential problems or maintenance needs before they become more serious issues by providing a real-time view of the monitored infrastructure. This can help to reduce downtime and keep critical infrastructure running smoothly.

Real-time management

The same technology can also perform volume monitoring tasks and thus facilitate the management of valuable resources such as bulk material, grain, wood chips or chemicals.

By scanning the stock 24/7 and automatically calculating stock volume updating records in real time, this technology supports lean production systems and automated processing