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

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.