Incorporating drone footage into existing VMS requires overcoming several technical and operational challenges.
The integration of drones into security systems is no longer a futuristic concept but a growing necessity in modern security operations. From urban surveillance to large infrastructure monitoring, drones are being used to enhance situational awareness.
However, for systems integrators, effectively incorporating drone footage into existing video management systems (VMS) requires overcoming several technical and operational challenges.
In this feature, we look at these complexities and best practices for seamless integration.
Challenges in managing drone footage in VMS
Drones provide a new dimension to security, offering unique vantage points and mobility. However, integrating their footage into traditional VMS can be demanding. Dan Berg, Senior Product Manager for Integrations at Salient Systems, highlights the intricate nature of this task.
“Today’s VMS systems routinely record thousands of cameras with hundreds of client connections and manage petabytes of storage,” Berg explains.
Despite this, the underlying complexities are immense. From supporting a variety of compression technologies to managing user permissions and retention policies, traditional VMS already handle a monumental workload.
Adding drone footage to this ecosystem requires ensuring compatibility with existing hardware, many of which may be decades old.
Regulatory and technical barriers in urban environments
The challenges do not end with integration. Drones deployed in urban areas face stringent regulatory and technical barriers. Guilhem de Marliave, CEO and Co-founder of Elistair, points out that “regulatory compliance is one of the main challenges, as urban areas are typically governed by strict airspace rules to ensure public safety and privacy.”
Urban landscapes also introduce unique technical difficulties, such as signal interference from power lines and buildings, limited GNSS availability, and obstacles in densely packed areas.
“Efficient battery technology, smarter tethering solutions for specific static use cases, and rapid charging solutions will thus be essential,” de Marliave adds. These innovations will be critical as drone operations scale up in urban and large-scale infrastructure environments.
Overcoming data management challenges
Another significant hurdle in integrating drones with VMS lies in managing the sheer volume of data generated. Drones equipped with high-definition cameras and advanced sensors can produce terabytes of data in a single operation. De Marliave identifies this as a major issue, particularly for large-scale deployments.
“Data management becomes a major issue at scale, as drones generate vast amounts of video and sensor data that need to be securely processed, stored, and analyzed,” he explains. This demands robust infrastructure capable of handling not only the storage but also the processing and retrieval of data for real-time analysis.
For systems integrators, addressing this challenge involves a multi-faceted approach. First, scalable cloud solutions and hybrid models that combine on-premise and cloud storage can provide the flexibility needed for different operational requirements.
Second, investing in intelligent data compression and retrieval technologies can optimize storage usage while ensuring quick access to critical footage.
Additionally, ensuring the security of drone-generated data is paramount. Integrators must implement encryption, access controls, and secure data transfer protocols to protect sensitive information. These measures are particularly important when dealing with high-stakes applications, such as critical infrastructure monitoring or urban surveillance.
By building a comprehensive data management strategy, systems integrators can support their clients in leveraging the full potential of drone technology while mitigating risks associated with data overload and security breaches.
Best practices for seamless integration
Achieving seamless integration between drones and traditional security systems requires adherence to industry standards. According to Berg, the level of integration desired—whether basic video feed or advanced metadata and event integration—determines the complexity of the task.
“My advice to the drone manufacturers is to adhere to security industry standards such as those from ONVIF,” says Berg.
ONVIF, or Open Network Video Interface Forum, provides open specifications for authentication, streaming, events, and analytics. These standards are widely supported by non-proprietary VMS vendors and camera manufacturers, enabling interoperability across different systems.
Systems integrators should prioritize equipment that complies with these standards, ensuring that drone data can be processed and analyzed efficiently within existing infrastructures. Additionally, establishing a secure and scalable data management framework is critical for handling the vast amounts of video and sensor data generated by drones.
AI and autonomous flight: revolutionizing drone capabilities
Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous flight are unlocking new potential for drones in the security sector. De Marliave emphasizes how AI-powered algorithms are enabling real-time analysis of large areas, reducing the need for constant human oversight.
“AI also enhances object recognition, allowing drones to distinguish between threats and non-threats more accurately, thereby minimizing false alarms,” De Marliave says. This not only minimizes false alarms but also enables drones to detect anomalies and trigger immediate alerts or programmed responses.
Autonomous flight capabilities are particularly transformative. With predefined patrol routes or autonomous incident response capabilities, drones can safely and effectively monitor complex environments. For integrators, this means the ability to offer clients more intelligent and efficient security solutions that are less reliant on manual operation.
Future trends and opportunities for systems integrators
As drone technology continues to evolve, systems integrators will need to stay ahead of emerging trends to remain competitive.
De Marliave predicts that smarter tethering solutions and enhanced navigation systems will be key to overcoming challenges in complex environments. Meanwhile, Berg sees potential in expanding the use of metadata and event-driven responses in VMS to better leverage drone capabilities.
Integrators should also focus on educating their clients about the advantages of standards-compliant solutions. By aligning with open standards like ONVIF, security providers can future-proof their investments and reduce the risk of vendor lock-in.
Lastly, advancements in AI will open up opportunities to provide higher-value services, such as predictive analytics and automated responses, enhancing the overall effectiveness of security operations.
Conclusion
The integration of drones into traditional security systems is both a challenge and an opportunity for systems integrators.
By leveraging open standards, embracing advancements in AI, and addressing the unique requirements of urban and large-scale deployments, integrators can unlock the full potential of drone technology. As Berg aptly summarizes, “Once you’ve got the video encoded properly and, on the network, the VMS will do its job.”
For integrators willing to navigate the complexities of drone technology, the rewards are clear: smarter, more efficient security solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern environments.