Embracing next-generation surveillance for safer cities

Issue 8 2023 Surveillance, Integrated Solutions, AI & Data Analytics

With the South African government highlighting the importance of building smart cities by integrating advanced technologies to make them more resilient and liveable, the role of next-generation network video and surveillance technologies cannot be ignored.

Creating a safer smart city environment relies on integrating effective surveillance solutions that can leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Additionally, high-definition capabilities at range are essential to monitor the expansive environments of cities. Of course, using high-definition, AI-enabled cameras goes beyond traditional surveillance approaches. Instead, it is about leveraging features like facial recognition, automatic number plate recognition, and suspect behaviour detection. These advanced capabilities will be critical in preventing and quickly responding to criminal activities.

Advancing city management

Advanced network surveillance solutions are changing the way cities handle vehicle flow. These cameras play a crucial role in easing traffic congestion, monitoring violations, and improving road safety by providing city managers with access to real-time data collection and analysis. Intelligent traffic systems can use these surveillance tools to help cities improve response times to accidents, while optimising real-time traffic flow. With commuters benefitting from a more efficient transit system, productivity will increase, and citizens will be happier moving around in the city.

In emergencies, where every second is crucial, Duxbury’s surveillance solutions become a critical enabling tool. Emergency services can efficiently allocate scarce resources and better identify and plan for potential onsite challenges by empowering city departments to assess and respond to incidents rapidly. This optimises the use of teams, while also saving lives in the process.

Moreover, next-generation surveillance tools can also aid in environmental monitoring, detecting and alerting authorities about pollution or waste management issues. At a time when there is so much focus on sustainability and reducing a city’s carbon footprint, this will contribute to cleaner, healthier urban environments. Surveillance data can be used to improve a variety of public services. For instance, analysing crowd patterns can assist in planning public transport schedules, while monitoring public spaces can aid in urban planning and maintenance.

Benefitting society at large

Of course, there are significant societal benefits to using advanced surveillance technologies in cities nationwide. At a basic level, enhanced safety measures will lead to reduced crime and will improve the quality of life of inner-city residents, but beyond that, cities will become attractive for businesses and tourism, significantly boosting local economies. Municipalities can also use the data collected by surveillance systems for broader social analysis, for example, improving urban planning and monitoring traffic flow to identify ways to reduce congestion.

Throughout this, surveillance technologies must adhere to compliance and regulatory requirements. As such, care must be taken to address any privacy and ethical concerns. The deployment of these technologies must, therefore, be governed by stringent protocols, ensuring that surveillance is conducted responsibly, with respect for individual privacy and adherence to legal standards.

As more cities across South Africa strive to become ‘smart’, integrating advanced surveillance technologies becomes crucial. These solutions can form the basis for developing smarter, safer, and more sustainable cities. Accessing next-generation surveillance solutions will deliver enhanced security and a significantly improved quality of urban life. These technologies become pivotal in preparing cities for future challenges, ensuring they are safer, more efficient, and ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.


Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Safer spaces through smart surveillance
NEC XON Surveillance
Advances in facial recognition technology are transforming surveillance from a mere recording tool into an intelligent, integrated system that enhances real-time safety, moving beyond the traditional expansion of CCTV efforts.

Read more...
Next generation of AI-powered video telematics
IoT & Automation Surveillance Transport (Industry)
Webfleet, Bridgestone’s fleet management solution in South Africa, has launched Webfleet Video 2.0, an AI-powered solution designed to enhance fleet safety, security, compliance with local regulations and operational efficiency through real-time video insights.

Read more...
Key design considerations for a control room
Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance Training & Education
If you are designing or upgrading a control room, or even reviewing or auditing an existing control room, there are a number of design factors that one would need to consider.

Read more...
Smart cities and the role of video security
Surveillance Integrated Solutions
As cities around the world continue to embrace smart technology, including IoT that not only connects to people, but also the surrounding activity, the integration of advanced video security systems is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency in environments.

Read more...
How intrusion protection helps secure O&G operations
Surveillance Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Industrial (Industry)
For O&G operators in Africa, physical security remains one of the biggest considerations, particularly when it comes to perimeter protection and the ability to mitigate intruder-related incidents.

Read more...
Axis secures the Waterfront
Surveillance Entertainment and Hospitality (Industry) Retail (Industry)
Axis Communications shares insight into its longstanding partnership with the V&A Waterfront, one of Africa’s premier retail and mixed-use precincts, through its latest, updated customer success story.

Read more...
Advanced surveillance storage from ASBIS
Infrastructure Surveillance Products & Solutions
From a video storage solutions perspective, SkyHawk drives, designed for DVRs and NVRs, offer high capacity, optimised firmware, and a reliability workload rating of hundreds of terabytes per year.

Read more...
Open and collaborative logistics systems
Hikvision South Africa Surveillance Logistics (Industry) AI & Data Analytics
E-commerce and other high-volume logistics operations need open and collaborative technology ecosystems that drive efficiencies, throughput and digital transformation. Hikvision discusses the benefits of harnessing open and collaborative systems in the logistics market.

Read more...
4K HDR camera for mobility
Surveillance Transport (Industry)
e-con Systems has introduced a 4K HDR front-view camera, engineered to deliver reliable, long-range imaging for mobility applications such as delivery robots, autonomous vehicles, and off-road vehicles.

Read more...
The rise of AI-powered cybercrime and defence
Information Security News & Events AI & Data Analytics
Check Point Software Technologies launched its inaugural AI Security Report, offering an in-depth exploration of how cybercriminals are weaponising artificial intelligence (AI), alongside strategic insights defenders need to stay ahead.

Read more...