Innovative solution to document highways project using sustainable systems

Camera Control UK, launched in 2011 as ML2 Networx, focuses on security, remote CCTV, access control, timelapse imagery and site communication. A project from video production company, MB Productions, required surveillance cameras to be positioned along a route from Perth to Inverness, to document part of a highways infrastructure programme. The A9 Dualling Project would create a dual carriageway to greatly improve traffic flow and remove heavy congestion. Time-lapse video would be required to document the work for auditing purposes, provide evidence, and serve as example material for future projects. The required solution would need to operate in an area with no communication networks or local power, while coping with weather and construction logistics.

MB Productions was presented with an innovative solution that enabled it to gain a full overview in 4K resolution of the entire project. Not only could the system capture impressive time-lapse imagery, showcasing the enormous achievements in restructuring and reshaping the carriageway, but it also operated using 100% sustainable methods. With no need for power to be drawn from a local source, and the avoidance of using a diesel fuel generator, the solution demonstrates what can be achieved by harnessing the natural elements: an entirely environmentally friendly solution.

The brief was to document a 10 mile stretch that was to undergo widening, taking it from a single to dual carriageway, thereby increasing the efficiency of the route and allowing for smoother traffic flow. Initial discussions around how to power the cameras along the route involved the use of many miles of cable, combined with a diesel generator, which, as Martin Naylor, Director of Camera Control UK explains, was not a viable option: “The initial recommendation was to install a diesel generator at a halfway point along this particular stretch of highway, with electrical cables running for 5 miles in either direction. Unlike a straight section of motorway, this route twists and turns, with junctions and even housing in the way. It wasn’t going to be feasible. We had to find a better solution.”

After initial surveys and proposals were agreed, a solution was decided upon which comprised Axis network cameras, a power box with rechargeable batteries, a wind turbine and a PV solar panel. With both wind and solar energy being harnessed, and batteries to act as an emergency backup, the team was able to develop an entirely self-sufficient system requiring no local power, guaranteeing 100% uptime. To bring the design to life, the required cameras needed to be capable of producing high definition imagery, even in low light conditions. MB Productions wanted to use 4K images to create a full cinematographic experience. Axis’ 4K short bullet camera was the obvious choice due to its high definition image capabilities and durability in all weathers and extremes of temperature.

In addition to producing the required imagery, the system was also designed to be intuitive to operate. Surveillance data is sent to a central monitoring station for viewing, and also stored in the cloud for later retrieval. The system can be remotely monitored and controlled, with charge and consumption parameters for each power box being displayed to allow quick analysis of system status. Close monitoring of the system allows for easy identification of issues which might affect power and therefore image generation, such as the changing position of the sun at different times of the year, or growing tree lines in the vicinity.

Matt Brown, Director, MB Productions, commented, “We are now able to capture fantastic 4K imagery of the ongoing work on the A9. Camera Control UK has produced an entirely green solution which provides power and wireless connectivity in an area that was devoid of both; an incredible feat of engineering. The Axis cameras are highly robust and in a completely different league, in terms of quality, to others we’ve seen. This project has been a great success.”