For cities like Calgary, around-the-clock security and operational challenges mean there’s never any downtime. The good news is that a flexible, scalable video management software (VMS) helps manage these concerns efficiently. Today, the City of Calgary is actively working to leverage tools to meet these needs.
An integrated security solution
A few years ago, city managers in Calgary decided to replace and upgrade their legacy video security systems. At the time, the City had about 1,800 cameras in use, with 300 network video recorders (NVRs) spread throughout the region. However, that system was insufficient in meeting the City’s needs for efficient, centralized security operations. City managers wanted interoperability with other technologies, including access control, video analytics, and building management systems. As such, they determined that having an open platform video management software (VMS) that could deeply integrate third-party devices and systems was a critical requirement.
Sharing data for smart solutions
Assembling a modern and viable security solution requires a lot of components and assistance from a qualified security integration partner. For Calgary, it was determined that their security project required:
- Milestone Systems XProtect® Corporate VMS
- Network cameras from Axis Communications
- Additional components, including
- Video encoders for analog security cameras
- NVRs
- Network storage
- Access control systems
- Alarm systems
- Video analytics
- GPS technology
- Laser scanners
- Perimeter detection sensors
- Emergency call boxes
- Implementation by Convergint Technologies
By selecting the Milestone open platform architecture, Calgary ensured its integration options were unlimited. This is thanks to Milestone’s application program interfaces (APIs) that share data between systems, devices, and components. For example, integrating AXIS Network Radar Detectors and AXIS Perimeter Defender video analytics with the video security platform allows the City to create a virtual “fence” around designated areas and detect any activity. Upon detection, operators can visually verify suspicious activity.
“I would call the Milestone platform more than a security system,” says Alex Lee, Security Advisor of Technical Operations, City of Calgary. “It’s a foundational technology that serves as an IoT connector. With it, we’re continuing to find different use cases for video surveillance outside of just security applications.”
Seeing the sights with mapping connectivity
For the first phase of the new security deployment, the City installed its new video security system to cover public utilities, recreation facilities, electrical substations, parks, critical infrastructure sites, and operational work centers, including storage lots. Sites such as the transportation infrastructure storage compounds need security because they’re large, and people often break in to steal copper, fiber, and other supplies. The 24/7 video and perimeter detection, enabled by the XProtect VMS with Axis devices, has proven important protection for this and many other sites with valuable equipment.
In 2019, Calgary also completed a proof-of-concept evaluation with Milestone’s technology Partner Live Earth, an Internet of Things (IoT) visualization platform that seamlessly synchronizes data from multiple sources, combining live data feeds into an interactive map. The project team mapped out most of the City, including transportation, utility, and other infrastructure systems. As a result, this integration from Live Earth enables both real-time notifications about incident locations and the use of surrounding cameras for visual verification.
Training: high marks from city administrators
The City of Calgary has an ever-increasing group of employees who regularly access and use the video software. Many users are not familiar with surveillance systems; however, security advisors report that Milestone’s expansive eLearning content has been critical to their success. Online videos have saved the City’s technology operations department hundreds of hours in training.
In 2013, Calgary experienced a massive flood that caused $5.4 billion worth of damage. Suffice to say, they take water level monitoring very seriously. Video now monitors the river levels in real-time and more cameras have been installed for use by city water engineers. Instead of assigning city employees to train users on the software, the City assigned users to learn using the Milestone eLearning web page at their own pace.
To date, so much has already been accomplished to transform Calgary into today’s connected entity. City officials will gladly continue to build on Milestone’s innovative foundation using a growing Smart City tools portfolio that provides efficiency, safety, and security for their citizens.
Milestone Systems is a leading provider of open platform video management software; technology helps the world see how to ensure safety, protect assets, and increase business efficiency. See how video technology creates safer cities with Milestone’s free eBook.
