The Benefits of Combining Radar with a PTZ Camera

Conventional PIDS (perimeter intrusion detection system) deployments for critical sites often rely on static cameras configured in overlapping zones for threat detection. The status quo is changing. The addition of drone threats to risk assessment processes is driving a need for new tools and technologies to ensure security at critical infrastructure and high-security sites.

In response to increased activity along the perimeter and the addition of drones to the mix, security risk assessment professionals and site solutions teams are upgrading their perimeter intrusion detection technology. Layering sensors that meet the requirements of the site’s risk assessment is key. While optics remain the most-used sensor for perimeter intrusion detection, other sensors that may be used include radar, RF (radio frequency) signal detectors, and acoustic and vibration sensing equipment. The suite of sensors will vary based on the risk profile, which includes a variety of factors including frequency of trespasses and method of approach – ground, air, or both. While some sensors are optional, radar and PTZ cameras play an integral role for modern threat detection.

Cameras for Perimeter Intrusion Detection

Of the commonly used sensors, cameras remain a go-to. Optical solutions have undergone rapid advancement in the prevailing decade and affordable solutions give security teams a big bang for the buck. Static cameras are being replaced with PTZs (pan, tilt, zoom) which are preferred for enhanced coverage, range of motion, and zoom capabilities. PTZ cameras are available at a variety of price points based on capabilities: daytime observation (standard), observation at night (thermal), or 24/7 observation (bi-spectral). PTZs provide equal or greater square foot coverage with fewer devices and support object viewing at greater distance. They are often used at critical infrastructure sites - energy, water treatment, transportation, corrections facilities, and more – for perimeter intrusion detection.

However, PTZ cameras have limitations. They cannot always detect or maintain target lock on fast moving drones. And without thermal or bi-spectral capability, PTZs will not detect objects moving at night nor when severe weather obscures the field of view. To solve this, security professionals are combining radar with PTZ cameras.

Radar for PIDS

Short-range, moderate precision, 2D radar for ground detection is regularly used at sites that perceive moderate-high threat of trespass by human or vehicle. Now, intruders are approaching from multiple directions - via ground and air. 2D radars are not designed to monitor the air domain and do not discern objects well or track fast-moving, evasive targets effectively. For these reasons, 2D radar no longer meet basic detection and protection needs for many sites.

Secure sites, like those with critical infrastructure designation, require new radar technology that can detect, track and classify both ground and air threats including “dark” drones. In the past, the size, weight, power, and expense of precision 3D radar were cost-prohibitive for non-military applications including critical infrastructure protection. Thanks to recent developments in radar technology short and medium range, precision radar is now available at commercial price points.

As high-risk sites experience an increase in frequency and types of threats, radar is taking its place as the cornerstone sensor for comprehensive perimeter intrusion detection. High-performance, precision 3D radar data improves perimeter security systems in ways legacy 2D radar cannot:

• • Multi-domain threat detection

  • High beam density discerns objects

  • Detects drones before cameras are triggered

  • Precision data helps cameras maintain target lock on evasive threats

  • Precise threat classification data helps reduce false positive alarms

3D metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA)® radar solutions have become the preferred radar for critical infrastructure and high-security sites. These radars are solid-state. They leverage a large field of view and software-driven intelligence to deliver more comprehensive and precise object data. Plus, the data sharing capacity allows system operations like slew-to-cue to operate fluidly. 

Key Performance Advantages of High-Performance Radar + PTZ

For high-risk and high-security critical infrastructure and commercial sites, progressive security deployments combine MESA® radar with PTZ cameras. This powerful combination delivers comprehensive, 360° perimeter coverage. Radar combined with PTZ cameras improves situational awareness with fuller site coverage and early detection of vehicles, humans, and/or drones - 24/7 in all weather and lighting conditions. The synergy of these two sensors integrated with the PIDS’ C2 and VMS improves data gathering and decision-making in several ways:

• • Attain precise and actionable threat data of multiple targets in multiple domains.

  • Prioritize drone detection.

  • Attain location and movement data before observers can.

  • Powerful onboard software confirms the type of threat(s).

  • Detect objects sooner and give security teams more time to observe and respond.

  • Dual verification: precision radar data cues PTZs for “eyes on” target confirmation.

  • Help cameras retain target lock on fast moving objects and when visual noise disrupts camera discernment.

  • Use the combination of radar data and camera recordings to review incidents and determine corrective action.