Lock it down: how to choose the best intrusion detection technology for wide areas

Securing wide outdoor areas presents a number of challenges that differ significantly from those faced in smaller, more confined environments. Whether it’s an industrial site, an open air carpark, an airfield or a large garden surrounding a private property, the key to safeguarding these spaces is much dependent on choosing the right intrusion detection technology. More often than not, a combination of different technologies provides the most complete security solution.

As with any application, selecting the right security technology involves considering several factors. The physical characteristics and the size of the area to protect play a significant role in determining the most suitable intrusion detection system. The operational requirements and the level of security required will also determine the choice of technology or technologies.

Wide coverage for smaller areas

Commonly gardens, patios or areas surrounding commercial units, as well as flat roofs, can be fully covered using wide-angle volumetric detectors. Available in a variety of options, our range includes 180-degree sensors (also known as panoramic sensors) such as the WX Shield or the WX Infinity, with both ranges offering flexible coverage up to 12m and independent right/left detection zones, which can allow PTZ cameras to identify more easily the location of intruders.

Where the terrain is uneven, such as in slopping gardens or hilly surroundings to buildings, the wide-angle 120-degree high-mount detectors QX Infinity can provide the right solution. Mounted between 2.7-3m in addition to adapting to irregular terrain, they provide an effective prevention to vandalism against the sensor.

One of the key benefits of OPTEX volumetric detectors is their reliability in outdoor environments and excellent pet tolerance. And when it comes to protecting more challenging environments, all of the ranges include dual-technology models. As the dual-technology sensors are using both the passive infrared and the microwave technologies to confirm the detection, it drastically reduces the risk of false alarms created by sudden changes in light or heat, allowing stable performance. Learn more about dual-technology sensors here.

Protection of larger areas

Larger sites, such as solar farms, construction sites, airfields or distribution centres, often require remote monitoring because of their scale. Here, video surveillance is essential to confirm a potential threat so that security personnel can take the appropriate response as soon as possible. Beyond visual verification, the biggest challenge faced by remote security teams is to detect intruders reliably and precisely, to track them and stop them as soon as possible.

One common challenge of these large outdoor spaces is the environmental conditions and while video analytics are commonly used, in locations where the environment can’t be controlled, video-based systems should rely on dedicated detection technologies to avoid triggering false alarms for conditions such as leaves blowing, rain, insects or small animals within the field of view. Long-range volumetric detection, such as REDWALL SIP series, has specifically been developed to provide quality detection for video surveillance and can cover wide areas up to 50m or create narrow outdoor corridors up to 100m. All models feature two independent detection zones, far and near; and some models feature a third detection area, called creep zone, looking directly under the sensor. The independent detection zones can activate a number of events such as camera pre-set position to provide the visual verification or voice warning to deter intruders to go any further.

Precise tracking of intruders

For sites where being able to track the exact coordinates of intrusions is necessary, LiDAR systems are able to provide the target size and location, while not being affected by environment , which is highly effective for securing wide outdoor areas and protecting critical assets or high-security sites, such as datacentres, critical infrastructure or military sites. Long-range LiDAR systems, such as REDSCAN-Pro series, can secure areas of up to 100m x 50m and provide a high degree of flexibility, allowing to creation of up to eight independent zones and trigger different responses depending on the target size, location and direction of movement of the intruder.

For vast distances and varied terrains, radar systems are ideal. For example, radar can detect low-flying drones, and track the movement of vehicles and individuals within expansive open areas like airports or ports.

Securing wide areas requires a strategic approach that prioritises early detection and integrates multiple technologies for comprehensive coverage. By understanding the strengths and applications of different intrusion detection systems you can select the right technology to safeguard these areas effectively, maintaining peace of mind and operational efficiency.