Smile, You’re on Hidden Camera

Two hours is a considerable distance to drive, especially to scare an errant possum. But, according to Kurt Nelson, IT director at Pacific Pipeline System (PPS), that’s how security monitoring used to operate. With more than 2,000 miles of crude oil pipeline across the country, PPS had motion detectors installed around several of their facilities. While the detectors warned of trespassers at pumping stations, they didn’t give any visual clue of what was causing the detectors to go off. Using network cameras from Axis technology installed at remote unmanned facilities, controllers now monitor alarms with online real-time video surveillance. They can also watch crews working at remote facilities to ensure their safety. Axis network cameras plug into existing networks and have built in Web servers, which allow them to operate without a PC. Video servers digitize images from CCTV cameras and upload the images to a Web browser, where undoubtedly a possum or two will find its 15 seconds of fame.