Many utility assets around Australia are either remote or unmanned, which can make security or even checking on the site difficult. But with advanced and smart surveillance technology, it’s possible to have an active set of eyes anywhere in the country.
One of the great challenges of managing a utility network across a country as large as Australia is that many utility assets have to be remote and unmanned. While drones are great for undertaking asset surveys, this is a sporadic assessment and can only be done with human intervention.
Since issues can arise on a network at any time, many operators would love to have visibility of their network at all times to gain a better view of what might be causing any problems, without needing to travel to an asset that might be hundreds of kilometres away.
This is where remote asset surveillance can come in to play a critical role in assessing what is happening on a network. Spectur offers one such solution that can monitor a variety of assets – including gas metering stations, pump stations, dams and water catchment, telecommunications towers, power generators, transmission towers and substations – to provide visibility in places where traditional vision systems cannot reach.
Prevent damage and intruders in remote locations
Being solar-powered, Spectur’s camera and surveillance systems can give network operators a reliable set of eyes on their assets, even at sites far away from power and internet connection.
Even when power is available, the cost and complication of excavations and tie-ins to existing infrastructure can make traditional wired solutions uneconomic or simply impractical. Spectur solutions can be mounted above ground or even to fences to avoid any ground intrusion along with other permit-requiring works.
For utilities and critical assets located in bushland and the outback, these remote sites often have limited internet access and depend on wired electricity. For many operators, there is little they can do in such remote and harsh locations. Some may deploy drones for condition surveys or limited security staff, fences and locks, but most of the time, they just have to do nothing and deal with intruders or damage after the fact.
Spectur systems can offer utilities in remote locations self-reliant surveillance, crime deterrence and even communications. Spectur camera stations consist of up to four cameras and are entirely wireless, with rechargeable batteries and solar panels, which means they can be placed anywhere – even if there is no wired power connection available.
Additionally, Spectur systems have in-built storage and a 3G/4G modem to store data and send alerts, even when set up in areas where wired internet, mobile reception or satellite connection is not an option, making these systems dependable. For particularly challenging areas of reception, Spectur use amplified antenna systems and can even move to satellite connectivity if required.
Seeing where no one else can see
For remote locations, using advanced wireless surveillance is the only way to create a reliable system that can automatically respond to threats in isolated areas. In addition, installing a Spectur system is easier and less damaging to the local environment.
Since no cables are involved, there is no need for trenching or excavation which may damage the environment or require permits. While this is important for ecologically significant sites, this also makes it possible to set up surveillance in areas where it would be traditionally unfeasible to bring in excavation equipment.
With easy installation and technology designed to withstand harsh conditions, Spectur camera stations require less maintenance, making them ideal for remote locations where cameras and equipment are left without human personnel monitoring them for weeks or months.
As a result, Spectur solutions are frugal with power and data, requiring less resources to function day-to-day. Even in overcast conditions, the camera stations can operate for up to five days.
Automatic response anywhere
Whether a utility is located in dense bushland, near the coast or the remote outback, Spectur cameras can capture and respond to threats without demanding human resources through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing technologies.
For isolated locations, Spectur’s advanced solutions can detect humans and vehicles, determine whether there is a real threat and respond accordingly – all without human intervention. With a system that can sense danger and make decisions, Spectur surveillance platforms can sound an alarm or verbal warning to deter intruders before they enter the property and send out alerts to operators and local authorities.
With a Spectur surveillance system, there can be a set of eyes anywhere to not only keep a lookout for threats, but also act to prevent damage and intruders even when personnel are not on-site.
Responding to emergencies
When it comes to emergency response, having an automatic sense and response system in place can protect both assets and people when disaster strikes. When a site is too remote for nearby emergency responders to reach in time, having a solution like Spectur’s AI-enabled and solar-powered warning systems can save lives.
Spectur systems can be configured to sense noise, vibration, weather, air quality and flood waters – with the ability to integrate other measuring equipment and systems, such as an accelerometer or a seismometer – all without requiring drones or human personnel risking their lives on the ground.
In floods, fires or even earthquakes, Spectur systems offer technology that can understand fast-changing situations and provide two-way communication to keep everyone informed, even when the power is cut and the internet is down. Spectur systems can be used to broadcast evacuation orders, remotely survey what’s happening using a live feed, send out alerts to local authorities and open communication between responders.
This means for natural disasters, authorities can detect water levels to accurately determine whether flood waters are rising or falling or even capture visual data to track bushfires as they happen. With advanced technology, local governments, utilities and emergency responders can give early warnings and ongoing updates to keep communities safe.
Instead of leaving sites unprotected, Spectur cameras and warning systems offer visibility for critical assets at all times. Even in the remotest part of Australia, Spectur systems can be relied on by utilities to keep both assets and people safe.
This sponsored editorial is brought to you by Spectur. For further information, please visit spectur.com.au.
