There are many guidelines on the type of security measures
that should be considered when protecting critical facilities
against theft and intrusion using video. However Eric Olson,
vice president of marketing at PureTech Systems, believes
the details involved with making these measures a reality
are often missing. Here, he offers some guidance

Whether you are installing a new
camera system or reviewing the
capabilities of an existing system,
remembering a few key tips can go a long
ways in ensuring the implementation meets
the objective.

Understand your camera
Most folks start with the camera lens,
typically opting for a wide lens to be able to
view as
much of
their
facility as
possible.

This is a valid
approach; just
remember that widening
the view dilutes your pixels.

Diluted pixels mean less detail for
any specific target. Resolution is
typically the next consideration. Higher
means more pixels and the ability to ‘see’
greater distances and more details. However,
it also means greater network usage, storage
costs, and processing requirements. To
understand what resolution is required
consider the smallest target you want to
detect (human, car) and the number of pixels
required to be able to see that object at the
desired distance. That should set your
maximum resolution.

Consider the terrain
Trees and buildings are obvious, but do not
forget to consider terrain variations, such as
rolling hills, ditches and culverts, which can
introduce blind zones. Even looking through
a chain link fence can be problematic when
viewed from particular angles.

Look to the future
Plan for growth…vegetation growth. That
cute little sapling may not affect the
perimeter today, but in a few years how is it
going to impact your camera view? You can
try to keep it trimmed, but remember
landscaping services are recurring costs. So
making intelligent camera placement
decisions can prevent these costs over many
years.

Check your blind zone
A camera’s blind zone is determined by the
camera lens and its mounting height and
angle. If you assume a human target, the
blind zone begins at the mounting location
of the camera and ends at the point where
you can see their entire body in the video.

Most blind zone mistakes occur when the
coverage takes a turn, for example, at the
corner of a property. Cameras are often
placed directly at the corner of the property,
making it very difficult for the previous
camera to cover the blind zone.

Don’t get stuck in the dark
A camera protecting 500m of fence line
during the day may be reduced to only 200m
at night due to illumination. Infrared and
white light allow facial and license plate
details, but this adds equipment and is
susceptible to weather conditions. Thermal
cameras may cost more and do not provide
target details, but perform well in most
weather. Bottom line – take the time to
consider how the scene will be covered in
night time operations.

Get an image
A very powerful and often overlooked action
is to get an image from each proposed
camera location, mimicking the intended
view. Reviewing proposed views goes a long
way in uncovering placement problems.

Images are great collaboration tools to gain
consensus to ensure that the location and
view will achieve the cameras’ intended
mission.

Use the proper tools
There are many camera design tools
available. Two key examples are a camera
worksheet and a layout tool. A camera
worksheet maintains the essential details of
your security cameras: objective, brand,
model, lens, location, detection distance,
illumination. It is not overly complex, but
can save hours of headaches by having one
location for pertinent camera details.

A camera layout tool allows you to
visualise your video protection. You can do it
yourself with drawing tools or contact a
security consultant or integrator. They will
have specialised layout tools and services
that they will typically provide at no charge.

In all cases, the objective is to get a visual
representation of the protection provided by
your security cameras.