The demand for heightened security, perimeter intrusion detection (PID), surveillance and business intelligence solutions has never been greater, especially for sensitive applications like critical infrastructure and smart cities. Yet traditional 2D video surveillance and radar-based solutions often fall short due to high rates of false alarms, limited fields of view, and inconsistent performance.

3D LiDAR technology resolves these longstanding challenges, providing real-time, 3D data that enables more accurate object and event detection, classification and tracking in any environment, transforming legacy video security and surveillance systems into proactive and preventive solutions for new and emerging applications.

How 3D LiDAR Works

Short for Light Detection and Ranging, LiDAR is a time-of-flight sensing technology that emits low-power, eye-safe lasers that measures the time it takes for the laser to complete a round trip between the sensor and an object. The resulting aggregate data is used to generate a 3D point cloud image, providing both spatial location and depth information to identify, classify, and track moving objects in real-time. Complementary perception software then derives useful insights from available 3D point data to meet a number of security, surveillance and business intelligence imperatives. Together, 3D LiDAR sensors and smart perception software integrate with Video Management Systems (VMS) to comprise a fully integrated solution for a myriad range of applications.

Why 3D LiDAR?

3D LiDAR transforms security and surveillance systems by providing highly accurate spatial awareness and actionable intelligence. Beyond conventional video solutions, 3D LiDAR sensors precisely capture data on distance, movement, and the size of multiple objects simultaneously. Whether in fog, completed darkness or bright daylight, 3D LiDAR’s real-time 360° coverage delivers superior situational awareness, surpassing the accuracy and performance capabilities of traditional 2D video and radar systems. By providing new levels of depth and clarity, 3D LiDAR is quickly gaining traction as an essential tool for modern security, surveillance and business intelligence applications.

Eliminate Blind Spots and False Alarms

Conventional video security and surveillance systems have longstanding limitations such as blind spots, false alarms and poor adaptability to changing environments.  make them a less reliable option for today’s complex security needs. 3D LiDAR solutions overcome these challenges for wide area and complex interior security, surveillance and business intelligence applications. 3D LiDAR sensors also deliver continuous object and event tracking, even when objects move behind obstructions, making them much more effective than traditional video and radar devices.

A highly cost-effective solution, 3D LiDAR sensors complement existing video systems, enabling a comprehensive ecosystem that includes VMS, PSIM, PTZ cameras, all working in harmony to generate real-time alerts that provides proactive awareness and incident prevention.

Versatility, Indoors and Outdoors

In expansive and heavily trafficked environments like airports or stadiums, securing large open areas is a top priority. 3D LiDAR technology offers continuous, real-time monitoring with a 360° view, allowing security teams to track up to 600 objects at once. This high-capacity coverage ensures comprehensive protection while reducing the number of sensors required, making it a highly efficient solution.

Large indoor spaces like malls or airport terminals require advanced systems to track crowd movement and ensure safety. 3D LiDAR’s real-time tracking and object classification technology enable security teams to identify potential risks and manage crowds effectively, preventing congestion and ensuring a smoother flow of traffic.

And for divers applications like smart spaces and smart cities, security and efficiency go hand in hand. 3D LiDAR integrates seamlessly into public infrastructure, helping manage everything from traffic flow to pedestrian safety. Its real-time 3D data enables proactive management, making any interior space safer and more efficient without violating individuals’ personal privacy since 3D LiDAR does not capture images of individuals.

3D LiDAR vs. Other Technologies

There is often a sense of false security created with the deployment of traditional physical security systems, including access control, surveillance cameras, radar, and security guards. By keeping intruders out via access control, the reasoning goes, unauthorized entry is prevented. And, if an unauthorized person does get in, then camera records are available to review and analyze the occurrence in addition to security guard recollections or other witnesses. These reactive security solutions cannot actively prevent an intrusion from occurring. By the time an access control system raises a tailgating alarm, or someone notices a crime occurring on surveillance video, the reported incident has already happened.

3D LiDAR security solutions work differently, alerting the presence of intruders in real-time to help proactively prevent crimes from occurring, or escalating further. The system works day or night and under virtually any environmental condition since LiDAR sensors incorporate lasers and do not require any external lighting sources. And unlike radar, 3D LiDAR sensors are not susceptible to radio frequency interference and metal reflections.

This results in significantly greater accuracy with less than 2% false alarms for 3D LiDAR compared to up to 40% false alarms for radar.

Reduced Cost of Coverage

3D LiDAR delivers more value by covering larger areas with fewer sensors than traditional camera or radar systems. 3D LiDAR sensors offer comprehensive monitoring for up to 165,000 square feet per sensor, reducing the cost of coverage per square foot, and simplifying installation complexity, which all results in lower cost. 3D LiDAR proves even more cost-effective over time with fewer false alarms, reduced labor expenses, and improved operational efficiency. This combination of lower upfront and long-term costs makes 3D LiDAR a compelling investment for future-ready security systems with lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

3D LiDAR… A Futureproofed Solution

3D LiDAR transforms traditional systems from being reactive to proactive and preventive security, surveillance and business solutions to address new and emerging threats and business applications.

Contact Quanergy to schedule a consultation to learn more about our leading 3D LiDAR solutions.