At its core, situational awareness in security refers to the ability to detect, validate, and understand events as they unfold, enabling timely and effective decision-making.
Situational awareness is becoming an essential requirement for organizations tasked with protecting critical assets, industrial facilities, and large-scale perimeters.
With the increasing complexity of security threats and the volume of data generated by modern systems, integrators and consultants are being challenged to design solutions that deliver clarity, accuracy, and actionable insights in real time.
At its core, situational awareness in security refers to the ability to detect, validate, and understand events as they unfold, enabling timely and effective decision-making.
In the words of Martin Vojtek, business director for 3D surveillance at Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure and Geospatial division, "For us, situational awareness is all about being able to detect, validate and understand events as they happen, so organizations can make informed decisions and respond effectively."
Growing demand for actionable interfaces
One of the biggest challenges in modern security operations is the overwhelming flow of data from diverse systems. Video feeds, analytics platforms, perimeter intrusion detection sensors, and access control logs often generate more information than operators can process efficiently. This is where integrators play a key role: identifying technologies and workflows that help operators focus on what matters most.
"When it comes to situational awareness interfaces, customers often ask for tools that help them focus their attention on what matters most," Vojtek explained. He added, "They want systems that can automatically trigger alerts -- whether from LiDAR, video management software, analytics, or other sensors -- to highlight where something needs immediate attention."
The demand is not only for alerts, but also for context. Real-time maps and geographic information systems (GIS) can transform raw alerts into actionable insights by providing spatial orientation. According to Vojtek, "These triggers are even more valuable when paired with spatial information, like real-time maps or GIS, so operators can quickly pinpoint where an event is happening."
For integrators, this highlights the need to recommend systems that merge detection data with intuitive visualization. Customers increasingly expect 3D interfaces, object trajectories, and integration with video streams to paint a comprehensive picture.
"Once the location is clear, the next priority is understanding what’s actually going on. Customers value contextual information that helps paint a full picture of the situation. This could include 3D visualizations with object trajectories or combining video data to provide a detailed and actionable view," Vojtek said.
The role of advanced sensing technologies
Among the range of sensing technologies available today, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is emerging as a powerful tool in situational awareness systems. Known for its ability to generate precise 3D measurements, LiDAR enables accurate detection of moving objects across wide areas, even in challenging environmental conditions.
"In our systems, LiDAR is a key technology for achieving precise, reliable and consistent real-time object tracking. LidarVision uses volumetric detection, providing accurate 3D data on the position, size and speed of all moving objects," Vojtek said, referring to how Hexagon applies the technology.
Unlike video cameras, which rely on visible light, LiDAR works with laser beams, making it highly effective for perimeter applications where visibility may be poor or lighting unpredictable. For integrators, this means fewer blind spots and more consistent performance across day and night operations.
However, proper planning is crucial to ensure LiDAR deployments meet customer expectations. Vojtek explained that because LiDAR units are installed in fixed positions, understanding coverage is essential.
"It is crucial for us to understand the exact scene coverage and identify any gaps between sensors. For this, we use the HxGN dC3 Designer planning tool, which allows virtual LiDAR units to be placed into digital twins to visualize the coverage achieved," he said.
Designing for real-world deployments
Integrators often rely on manufacturer datasheets when evaluating technologies. Yet, there can be gaps between theoretical performance and what is achievable in real-world deployments. For example, many hardware manufacturers emphasize maximum beam range as a selling point. According to Vojtek, this can be misleading when designing perimeter security solutions.
"We provide realistic range information relevant to security deployments – focusing on the point resolution achievable at a given distance for static installations. This is where our GVT (Grid-Validated Target Detection) method is applied, determining the minimum point density required to detect a human figure," he said.
For consultants and integrators, this approach underscores the importance of looking beyond technical specifications to evaluate whether a system will actually detect intruders reliably under specific site conditions. Accurate performance data is critical when advising customers and building trust.
Addressing the challenge of false alarms
False alarms are a persistent issue in security systems, especially in outdoor and perimeter environments where weather, wildlife, and environmental changes can trigger unwanted alerts. Excessive false alarms not only waste resources but also risk operators ignoring genuine threats.
To address this, Vojtek pointed to adaptive mechanisms embedded in LiDAR-based solutions. "LidarVision also includes built-in mechanisms to minimize false alarms, such as adaptive snapshotting, which dynamically adjusts to environmental changes and ensures that only new or moving objects are detected," he said.
For integrators, the takeaway is that reducing false alarms should be a priority in system design. Technologies that incorporate adaptive intelligence can help deliver more reliable results, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and confidence in deployed solutions.
Flexibility and openness in technology integration
No two security projects are the same, and integrators often face unique environmental challenges and customer requirements. Open platforms that can accommodate multiple types of hardware provide greater flexibility for designing solutions tailored to specific needs.
As Vojtek explained, "The system is open and supports more than 50 types of LiDAR units from leading global manufacturers, enabling the selection of the most suitable model for each specific project and environment."
This flexibility allows integrators to avoid being locked into a single vendor’s ecosystem. Instead, they can select hardware that best matches the site’s terrain, weather conditions, and coverage needs, while still benefiting from consistent integration with situational awareness software platforms.
Key takeaways for security integrators and consultants
The evolution of situational awareness solutions offers several practical lessons for professionals tasked with designing and implementing security systems:
- Focus on actionable insights: Customers value systems that help operators concentrate on priority events through automated alerts, contextual information, and spatial visualization.
- Leverage advanced sensing: LiDAR is becoming a cornerstone of perimeter security, offering accurate tracking and reliable detection across a wide range of conditions.
- Plan for coverage: Tools such as digital twins and simulation software help ensure that sensor placement achieves full coverage and minimizes gaps.
- Reduce false alarms: Adaptive detection mechanisms are essential for maintaining operator trust and system effectiveness.
- Promote flexibility: Open integration with diverse hardware options allows solutions to be tailored for unique environments and customer demands.
Looking ahead
As security threats evolve, so too does the expectation for situational awareness systems to provide more than just raw data. Customers want clarity, accuracy, and actionable intelligence delivered in real time. Integrators and consultants will increasingly be expected to bring together sensing, mapping, video, and analytics technologies into cohesive solutions.
The insights shared by experts like Vojtek point toward a future where situational awareness is defined not only by the ability to detect an intrusion but also by the speed and effectiveness with which organizations can validate and respond to incidents. The growing role of technologies such as LiDAR, combined with advanced visualization and orchestration tools, will continue to shape how the industry addresses these challenges.
Ultimately, situational awareness is not a single product or technology but an integrated capability. For security professionals, success lies in designing systems that turn complex data into clarity, helping organizations protect assets and people with confidence and efficiency.