Complete guide on Video Surveillance Towers: what they are, what they are for and how they are used.

4 September, 2023

Video surveillance towers have become a very practical and useful solution in modern security, especially when an autonomous, temporary solution with the possibility of being mobile is needed.

These elevated structures equipped with high-tech elements have proven to be a very effective tool in protecting property, infrastructure and people, in addition to being, in themselves, a deterrent. For the tower to provide maximum security, it can also be inserted into a mobile safe box, a solid and resistant base that protects the video surveillance solution.

In this post, we will explore what video surveillance turrets are, how they are used, and the various ways they help maintain security in various environments.


    1. What are turrets or video surveillance towers?

They are structures elevated on a mast (normally up to six or seven meters high) in which security and surveillance elements are placed, such as cameras, lights or sensors.

On many occasions, they are used to temporarily monitor areas without infrastructure, such as construction or projects that go through different phases in which different needs and spaces must be covered. Also as a security solution in public spaces for events such as concerts, sports competitions, congresses or large gatherings.

The possibility of the turret structure being mobile increases its versatility, since the client or user can decide to change its location between different addresses or properties that they want to protect. For example, when it comes to construction works or businesses that have headquarters, warehouses or branches in different locations.

The safe box in which the turret can be placed and its mast are generally designed in galvanized steel, to guarantee its resistance to weather conditions and possible sabotage.

It is usually equipped with upper doors that can be closed, side doors with lock and protection that prevents climbing. Thanks to these elements, the extendable security mast on which the cameras and other devices (lighting, for example) are placed can be deployed or retracted and both video surveillance equipment and electronic equipment can be protected inside box.

Thus, this solution becomes a very useful option for construction companies, maintenance companies, chains of establishments with several locations (gas stations, supermarkets…), developers, city councils, State Security Forces and Bodies (Police, Civil Guard), etc.

  1. What is the difference between a video surveillance tower and a traditional security camera?

The main differences lie in their mobility and flexibility, their location possibilities, monitoring capacity, their coverage and their cost.

Mobility and flexibility:

Traditional cameras are usually static and do not offer mobility. Once installed, their viewing angle remains fixed, which may require multiple cameras to cover different areas or change their physical position if necessary.

Video surveillance towers can be mobile and can be moved according to surveillance needs. Their rotation capability allows you to change the surveillance focus easily, making them ideal for monitoring larger areas or tracking moving objects.

Location and range:

Traditional security cameras are permanently installed on walls, ceilings or other specific supports. Its location is selected based on the area to be monitored, but its range is usually limited, generally covering a certain angle of view.

Video surveillance towers are autonomous structures mounted on elevated supports. Due to their height and turning capacity, they have a much wider range and can cover large areas, providing a 360-degree panoramic view. Its strategic location allows monitoring larger and difficult-to-access areas.

Surveillance and technology capabilities:

Traditional security cameras can vary in terms of resolution and technical features, but in general, they are designed to fulfill basic surveillance functions, such as capturing high-quality images and videos in their field of view.

Video surveillance towers usually incorporate more advanced technology, such as high-resolution cameras, sensors, real-time video analysis or facial recognition. Additionally, some towers may be equipped with infrared lighting for monitoring in low light conditions or at night.

Coverage and cost:

Las cámaras tradicionales son adecuadas para cubrir áreas pequeñas y específicas, como entradas de edificios, pasillos o áreas de recepción. Si se requiere una mayor cobertura, puede ser necesario instalar múltiples cámaras, lo que puede aumentar los costos.Traditional cameras are suitable for covering small, specific areas, such as building entrances, hallways or reception areas. If greater coverage is required, multiple cameras may need to be installed, which can increase costs.

Video surveillance towers are ideal for covering more extensive and larger areas without the need to install several individual cameras. Although its initial cost may be higher, its surveillance capabilities and mobility offset the expense by reducing the number of cameras required and making it easier to monitor larger areas.

 

  1. Key Components and Features.

Video surveillance towers can be customized with the elements considered necessary and depending on the protection you want to obtain.

Some of the elements that can be provided with are:

  • High-definition cameras: provide clear and detailed images both day and night. Some cameras also feature pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) capabilities, allowing for versatile surveillance. They can also be equipped with thermal sensors or perform automatic object tracking and facial or license plate recognition.
  • Motion sensors and detectors: activate cameras, lighting and alert systems when suspicious or potentially dangerous activity is detected.
  • Lighting: spotlights with motion detectors and infrared lighting, which allows clear vision in low light or total darkness, improving the effectiveness of nighttime video surveillance.
  • Two-way communication: turrets can include speakers and microphones that allow communication between the security operators of the Alarm Receiving Center, ARC, and the people in the monitored location.
  • Connectivity and storage: tower equipment connects to a surveillance network and can store images and videos in a centralized database or in the cloud.

 

  1. Uses and applications.

Video surveillance turrets have become an extremely useful tool to ensure security in different environments. Some of its applications are:

  • Security in large facilities: towers are used to protect industrial plants, large companies, refineries, mines, wind or solar farms, water treatment plants, military installations and other critical infrastructure.
  • Perimeter security: they are perfect for protecting large perimeters, such as airports, train stations, seaports or interchanges. Its ability to monitor large areas reduces the need to install multiple individual cameras, saving costs and maintenance.
  • Surveillance at events and gatherings: at massive events, such as festivals, shows, sporting events or demonstrations, video surveillance towers are essential tools to guarantee security or traffic control.
  • Monitoring remote areas: in rural areas or hard-to-reach places, surveillance towers provide a clear view of large areas, such as farms, national parks or borders.
  • Surveillance in urban centers: in urban areas they contribute to public safety by monitoring streets, squares and points of interest.
  • Remote monitoring and rapid response: these towers connect to a centralized control platform that allows the operators of the Alarm Receiving Center, ARC, to monitor and control the cameras remotely. This is especially useful in hard-to-reach areas or in emergency situations.
  • Crime prevention: the visible presence of video surveillance turrets deters potential criminals and, in the event of incidents, provides evidence for investigation.

Torreta videovigilancia en espacios públicos

Video surveillance towers have proven to be a highly effective tool to improve security in various situations. They serve to prevent numerous crimes against property and against the integrity of people.

Theft and vandalism are two of the threats that many sectors face, from construction projects to businesses such as gas stations or large stores. In addition to material loss and damage caused by theft or acts of vandalism, these crimes can also generate delays in execution that have commercial implications and can negatively affect the company’s reputation.

Las torres de videovigilancia o torretas de seguridad, se han convertido en un recurso esencial también para mejorar la seguridad ciudadana en diferentes entornos urbanos y rurales. Estas estructuras autónomas desempeñan un papel clave en la protección de comunidades y la prevención de delitos, desde grandes urbanizaciones y espacios residenciales a granjas o explotaciones agrícolas o ganaderas.Video surveillance towers or security turrets have also become an essential resource to improve citizen security in different urban and rural environments. These autonomous structures play a key role in protecting communities and preventing crime, from large developments and residential spaces to farms or agricultural or livestock farms.

The mere presence of these towers in public areas and sensitive areas creates a feeling of constant surveillance, which inhibits potential criminals from committing illegal acts. The turrets make it possible to cover large areas that may be difficult to protect with traditional means.

The ability to monitor these locations without requiring extensive human resources is a significant advantage for security forces. By allowing constant surveillance and early detection of problems, these towers facilitate a rapid and effective response by security or emergency services.

 

In summary, among its many advantages, we can highlight:

  • Installation and assembly in any location.
  • Flexible configuration: installation of equipment with total adaptation to the needs of each client.
  • 24-hour surveillance and data collection.
  • 360 degree coverage, strategic perspective.
  • Robustness and resistance.
  • Rapid deployment.
  • Easy to use.
  • Mobility.
  • Efficient investment and cost savings.
  • Remote management.
  • Analysis of the data obtained.
  • Deterrent.

At SEGURIDADE A1 we can design the video surveillance tower that you need for you. Contact us to request a customized quote without obligation.

 

Remember that we are security specialists, that our 24-hour Alarm Receiving Center is located in Santiago de Compostela and we have offices in Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante, but we provide security systems and services throughout Galicia, all of Spain and in certain locations in the foreign.

 

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Integral security in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, País Vasco (Euskadi), Navarra, La Rioja, Aragón, Cataluña, Comunidad Valenciana, Andalucía, Extremadura, Madrid, Castilla La Mancha and Castilla León.