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Lock it down

Securing wide outdoor areas presents several challenges that differ significantly from those faced in smaller, more confined environments. Whether it is an industrial site, an open-air carpark, an airfield, or a large garden surrounding a private property, choosing the right intrusion detection technology is the key to safeguarding these spaces. More often than not, a combination of different technologies provides the most complete security solution.

As with any application, selecting the right security technology involves considering several factors. The physical characteristics and the size of the area to protect play a significant role in determining the most suitable intrusion detection system. The operational requirements and the level of security required will also determine the choice of technology or technologies.

Wide coverage for smaller areas

Commonly, gardens, patios, areas surrounding commercial units, and flat roofs can be fully covered using wide-angle volumetric detectors. Available in a variety of options, the OPTEX range includes 180-degree sensors (also known as panoramic sensors) such as the WX Shield or the WX Infinity, with both ranges offering flexible coverage up to 12 m and independent right/left detection zones, which can allow PTZ cameras to identify more easily the location of intruders.

Where the terrain is uneven, such as in sloping gardens or hilly surroundings to buildings, the wide-angle 120-degree high-mount detectors QX Infinity can provide the right solution. Mounted between 2,7 - 3 m, they adapt to irregular terrain and effectively prevent sensor vandalism.

One of the key benefits of OPTEX volumetric detectors is their reliability in outdoor environments and excellent pet tolerance. When it comes to protecting more challenging environments, all of the ranges include dual-technology models. As dual-technology sensors use both passive infrared and microwave technologies to confirm the detection, they drastically reduce the risk of false alarms created by sudden changes in light or heat, allowing stable performance. Learn more about dual-technology sensors here.

In public-facing areas, such as those surrounding office buildings or retail units, combining technologies can prove more effective in distinguishing between potential threats and non-threatening activities. Sensors that combine sensing analytics and video analytics can tap into the benefits of each technology: a high-performance detection algorithm and reliable alarm logic.

The InSight sensor with VCA provides wide-angle detection of up to 12 m across 120 degrees, with an auto-configured and aligned camera angle that perfectly matches the detection area for excellent event capture.

Protection of larger areas

Larger sites, such as solar farms, construction sites, airfields or distribution centres, often require remote monitoring because of their scale. Here, video surveillance is essential to confirm a potential threat so that security personnel can respond appropriately as soon as possible. Beyond visual verification, the biggest challenge faced by remote security teams is to detect intruders reliably and precisely, to track them and stop them as soon as possible.

One common challenge of these large outdoor spaces is the environmental conditions. While video analytics are commonly used, in locations where the environment cannot be controlled, video-based systems should rely on dedicated detection technologies to avoid triggering false alarms for conditions such as leaves blowing, rain, insects or small animals within the field of view.

Long-range volumetric detection, such as REDWALL SIP series, has specifically been developed to provide quality detection for video surveillance and can cover wide areas up to 50 m or create narrow outdoor corridors up to 100 m. All models feature two independent detection zones, far and near, and some models feature a third detection area, called a creep zone, looking directly under the sensor. The independent detection zones can activate a number of events, such as the camera pre-set position to provide visual verification or voice warning to deter intruders from going any further.

Precise tracking of intruders

For sites where being able to track the exact coordinates of intrusions is necessary, LiDAR systems can provide the target size and location, while not being affected by the environment, which is highly effective for securing wide outdoor areas and protecting critical assets or high-security sites, such as data centres, critical infrastructure or military sites. Long-range LiDAR systems, such as the REDSCAN-Pro series, can secure areas of up to 100 m x  50 m and provide a high degree of flexibility, allowing the creation of up to eight independent zones and triggering different responses depending on the target size, location and direction of movement of the intruder.

Radar systems are ideal for vast distances and varied terrains. For example, radar can detect low-flying drones and track the movement of vehicles and individuals within expansive open areas like airports or ports.

Securing wide areas requires a strategic approach prioritising early detection and integrating multiple technologies for comprehensive coverage. By understanding the strengths and applications of different intrusion detection systems, you can select the right technology to safeguard these areas effectively while maintaining peace of mind and operational efficiency.

For more information, contact OPTEX, sales-sa@optex-europe.com, www.optex-europe.com

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