Thermal Cameras, Video Analytics Protect South African Rail System

  • Mar 18, 2010

C3 Shared Services (Pty) ltd has been appointed by Bombardier to supply and install a combination of two military grade technologies, namely Opgal’s thermal cameras combined with ioimage intelligent video analytics, to monitor the tracks and tunnels of the Gautrain rail in South Africa.

Due to the emphasis on a very high level of security along the Gautrain rail and in the tunnels, the main criteria was to select a combination of technologies that will provide detection of human targets  even in no light conditions.

Opgal’s thermal cameras combined with ioimage intelligent video analytics were selected for their high probability of detection and low false alarm rate. This decision was not taken lightly and was only decided upon once rigorous and extensive testing had been conducted between different brands of thermal cameras and video analytics. The test results were then sent over to France for final scrutinizing, which was based on the performance of the technologies to comply or excel the high criteria of user requirements set by Bombardier as part of their security methodology.

C3, specialists in the design and implementation of high-end perimeter security solutions and military grade intrusion detection systems, was appointed as the preferred vendor.

“We are honored to be appointed to supply and commission our solution for such a prestigious and important project,” said Nick Grange, technical director of C3. “Once again it is proved that the higher sensitivity of the detector and higher resolution combined with a faster frame rate makes the Opgal cameras a superior product which is hard to beat by the competition.

“Our cameras also had the leading edge over the competition because of the wide range of lens selection available which was necessary due to the nature and layout of the Gautrain track.”

To date, C3 has had success with numerous installations of thermal cameras combined with high performance video analytics at various sites in South Africa including residential estates, refineries, correctional facilities and National Keypoint’s.

“It is of tantamount importance, that when implementing this type of technology, a very high level of expertise and experience is required,” Brendon Cowley, business development director of C3 said. “C3 has been implementing this particular security solution at numerous high risk and high value sites throughout Southern Africa with great success and we look forward to providing the Gautrain Project with the same level of commitment and expertise”.

The C3 solution shall integrate with Bombardier’s high-tech video management system enabling operators of the system to monitor unauthorized access to the rail and making it a much safer environment for both Gautrain personnel and commuters alike.

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