3D LiDAR Technology and the Coming Paradigm Shift
The next 12 months will see a significant number of deployments of LiDAR sensors and systems and a substantial change in how they’re applied.
Adobe Stock image by Dekastro
Editor’s Note: We published this story about LiDAR technology and perimeter security on Nov. 21. We updated it as of Dec. 2 with additional information.
In recent years, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) has been labeled the “next big thing” and technology capable of “redefining” and “changing the landscape” of physical security, most notably in the safeguarding of critical infrastructure – from airplanes on the tarmac to drone detection to train platforms and tunnel security.
The hype has been supported by statistics such as those from ABI Research, which forecasted the worldwide market for smart LiDAR sensors will surpass 3 million total installations in the physical security environment by 2030. This presents an exciting opportunity for integrators.
LiDAR Sensors and Systems
If the high levels of interest among visitors to ISC West and GSX this year are any indication, the next 12 months will see a significant number of deployments of LiDAR sensors and systems, as well as a substantial change in how they are applied.
To date, LiDAR has often focused on 2D applications within the physical security ecosystem, notably to create simple virtual fences. However, if forecasts are correct, it will be innovation in 3D surveillance that will drive demand and growth.
These “volumetric detection systems” challenge the concept of traditional perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) by moving to a more holistic and actionable approach of monitoring and securing entire areas, not just boundaries.
Physical security professionals are renowned for being cautious about the early adoption of new technologies. However, LiDAR technology — and specifically 3D sensors and management systems — has been used for many years in geospatial measurement and mapping applications.
And many industry professionals are already very familiar with the use of mapping technology to manage assets such as cameras, alarms and access control points, etc. However, the use of LiDAR goes further, introducing the powerful concept of a true digital twin to physical security – a digital representation of the real world.
With LiDAR-based systems being tried, tested and proven, extending their usage to physical security applications is not a giant leap but a relatively small step that stands to pay big dividends.
LiDAR Technology is Less Labor Intensive, Optimized for Success
Another advantage of leveraging an existing technology is the availability of expertise, making integrating LiDAR sensors within complex physical security ecosystems less labor intensive and optimized for success. What’s more, the cost of these sensors has fallen since they were introduced, which lessens risk.
When it comes to risk, LiDAR technology can be useful in terms of regulatory compliance. A good example is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union.
Unlike other technologies that are adept at identifying individuals, LiDAR sensors do not capture any personal identification data. This is particularly advantageous for scenarios in which it is essential to continuously and accurately monitor movement in a specified area.
A volumetric detection system provides the exact location, size and speed of people within a detection zone, even the trajectory of their movements, but nothing that would identify them. When a person or group needs to be identified, integration with a wider physical security technology ecosystem, specifically video and particularly pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) capabilities, is vital.
Crucially, an increasing number of security system manufacturers have been quick to recognize the potential for LiDAR, with mission-critical platforms such as video management software (VMS) and physical security information management (PSIM) making it easy to integrate the typically open-platform technologies via a simple API.
While not exactly plug-and-play, this significantly reduces the number of barriers to entry for organizations wanting to leverage LiDAR. It also means that organizations should think carefully when investing in new and upgraded VMS and PSIM systems. When they decide the time is right to invest in LiDAR technology, these systems need to be integration ready.
A Security Solution in Its Own Right
However, it’s also important to remember that 3D surveillance software is a security solution in its own right. A standalone version can be used by a control room operator conducting an incident investigation. And, when greater situational awareness and a coordinated stakeholder response is needed, it can be used in parallel with, or in combination with, a VMS or PSIM system as part of an integrated ecosystem.
Global annual spending on physical security in general is predicted to increase significantly in the next four years, rising from $106.5 billion in 2023 to $136.9 billion by 2028. Technology investments will represent a large percentage of this figure, as organizations look for integrations and applications that will integrate with their ever-more-complex ecosystems.
As a result, advanced LiDAR-based systems will be high on the procurement wish list, with their ability to improve outcomes relating to incident detection and management.
Andreas Conrad is vice president of marketing, physical security, for Hexagon‘s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division.
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