Seismic sensors serve the dual role of velocity sensors and accelerometers, monitoring the earth’s vibrations. Created in the 1860s with the aim of detecting earthquakes, their application has broadened to include areas like resource exploration and, notably, security surveillance.
These sensors gather data about occurrences within a specified region when used for securing premises. They are adept at identifying ground vibrations, analyzing the data in real-time, and sending alerts to operators in case of a security breach. The system’s intricacy can dictate the sensors’ ability to distinguish whether the vibrations originate from human activity or vehicles and can also help pinpoint their exact location. These qualities make seismic sensors invaluable in infrastructure security, fencing, and perimeter protection.
Infrastructure Security and Seismic Sensors
Seismic sensors protect vital infrastructure, such as power plants, data centers, and transportation hubs. By sensing vibrations in the ground, they can detect any unauthorized or unusual activities around these facilities. For example, digging or drilling near a gas pipeline could create vibrations that would trigger an alert. Similarly, an unauthorized vehicle or individual approaching a secured area would create distinct ground vibrations, allowing operators to respond promptly.
Security Fencing and Seismic Sensors
Security fencing often serves as many facilities’ first line of defence against intruders. Here, seismic sensors can enhance the effectiveness of such fences by detecting any attempt to climb, cut, or otherwise breach the fence. They do this by picking up the distinct vibrations these activities create. In addition, advanced systems can differentiate between innocuous vibrations, such as those caused by wind or small animals, and potentially threatening ones, such as an intruder climbing the fence, thus reducing false alarms.
Perimeter Protection and Seismic Sensors
Perimeter protection involves securing the outer limits of a property or facility. Seismic sensors can form an invisible “fence” of protection around a site by creating a seismic detection field. Any ground vibrations within this field, such as those made by a person walking or a vehicle moving, are detected and analyzed. As with security fencing, the sensors can distinguish between different types of vibrations and alert security personnel if a potential intrusion is detected. This is particularly useful for large, open areas where physical fences are impractical or for additional layers of security where physical fences already exist.