Video Analytics to be deployed at airports

Story link: Video Analytics to be deployed at airports by Jan Harris

A number of airports are understood to be considering the installation of Video Analytics technology in the face of a heightened threat of terrorist attacks.

It is believed that major airport, and smaller regional airports, are in talks with companies involved in developing the systems, which use computers to monitor CCTV images. According to manufacturers, video analytics systems could have either prevented the recent attack at Glasgow airport, or enabled staff to react almost instantly to the incident.

A video analytics system would automatically trigger a response from the emergency service via a ‘virtual tripwire’ if an event such as an authorised vehicle on the runway occurred.

In contrast, standard CCTV systems rely on human beings to monitor the footage and react to potential attacks.

Video Analytics systems can be programmed to identify potential problems, such as an unattended bag in a terminal or certain human behaviours such as running against the general flow of passengers.

A video analytics system is already in place at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam.