The Need for More Thermal Cameras for Airport Security

The Need for Thermal Cameras for Airport Security

Thermal cameras are becoming increasingly popular for airport protection

  • By Roy Israeli
  • Nov 13, 2018

Air traffic is on the rise. According to Airports Council International (ACI), passenger air traffic is expected to double in the next 15 years, to over 14 billion air travelers, thanks largely to major drivers of traffic growth through the Asia Pacific region.

To facilitate this growth, authorities are investing in bigger, more modern airports, with airport security at the top of the agenda. Regional, national and international airports are still considered to be prime targets for criminal and terrorist activity. Hence, securing the perimeters of airports is becoming a priority for numerous local, state and federal agencies. 

The importance of providing around-the-clock surveillance and monitoring of airport perimeters has been highlighted by the heinous acts that have been committed on airport grounds and onboard airplanes. Traditional CCTV cameras that are still widely used for perimeter protection at airports around the world require light to display a decent image. In addition, many of these cameras generate higher false alarm rates, despite the advancements in video analytic software. 

In response to these inherent limitations, thermal cameras are becoming increasingly popular for airport protection, both inside the perimeter and outside it. These cameras can operate in zero-light conditions as they are sensitive to heat and not light. Infrared cameras can provide true 24/7 coverage of the airport perimeter regardless of lighting or weather conditions. There are zero limitations when it comes to thermal imaging cameras. Any heat emitted by vehicles, equipment, infrastructure, individuals, animals or aircraft is easily picked up by the thermal cameras. The moment an anomaly is spotted, the appropriate response teams can be notified. 

With recent advancements in infrared technology, a thermal camera system can now provide unmatched image quality – better signal to noise ratio, a higher processing capability, better range and no false alarms. Thermal cameras can be also integrated with additional sensors such as radar systems to provide an extra layer of protection to the perimeter. No two airports are alike: the geographical location, local weather conditions, airport size and layout, daily traffic, and numerous other factors require a tailored solution that takes each airport’s specific security challenges into consideration. 

Therefore, thermal camera placement is based on all these factors. Cameras are placed at specific heights and distances to ensure that there are no gaps in perimeter coverage. A recommended perimeter protection layout will combine fixed, shorter range cameras with longer range PTZ camera systems that can provide 360-degree coverage, a few kilometers around the perimeter. These thermal cameras provide feasible solutions to meeting the security challenges faced by airports around the world.

About the Author

Roy Israeli is the marketing director of Opgal optronic Industries Ltd.

Featured

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

  • Midtown Manhattan Shooting Kills 4, Including NYPD Officer

    Four people were killed, including a NYPD officer, in a midtown Manhattan shooting on Monday. That’s according to CNN. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”