VistaScape

I've posted here about VistaScape a little in the past. I've been directly involved in two projects using SiteIQ. It's really intended for large outdoor settings. Basically, it overlays data from detection devices like visual or thermal cameras on preloaded GIS maps to provide situational awareness. It includes video analytics to classify objects and to determine speed, direction, etc. The objects then appear as icons on the GIS map. At this point you can set up rules like virtual tripwires, directional rules, speed limits, or vehicle type. The unique thing about VistaScape is that it uses GPS coordinates derived from known positions within the detection cameras' fields of view. You then know the position of every object of interest. Assesment cameras can then be linked to detection devices to allow an operated to further investigate a threat. They can take inputs from other devices such as vessel tracking, radar, etc...basically anything that provides a GPS coordinate, so it's not necessary to have complete detection coverage provided by cameras.

It's very complex to set-up. I spent a couple of days alongside the VistaScape tech workin on a site. Setting up the detection devices is more of an art than a science and is really dependent on the data provided. This may mean riding around in a boat with a GPS device to get coordinates for a bunch of cameras. For large scale video monitoring, it's the best thing we've come across. It's actually been around for a while under most people's radar. They used it during the G8 Summit in Savannah that was probably 2 1/2 years ago. I guess the best evidence of it's effectiveness is Siemen's recent decision to buy the company.

Thanks for the response. I am glad someone here knows something about VistaScape.

Who can parse what that really means? Having the best technology doesn't mean that much to the head bean counter at a huge corporation. Look at what United Technologies paid for Lenel. I think everyone except Borris and Natasha are still scratching their ass over that one. According to the VistaScape web site the Siemens deal just went down in September. What if Siemens just landed a bunch of contracts that used VistaScape it it was cheaper to by the company than to by the product the company makes? (Just like Lenel?). Or what if a Siemens competitor just landed a bunch of contracts out from under Siemens and this was a move just to get Siemens' nose down in that food chain a little deeper? Out of all the gear that gets picked at seaports and airports I had never heard of VistaScape. Nice, Verint, VCS, Genetech, etc. were always the names I heard. As a company we do big places, but that is more vertical than horizontal so a product like VistaScape wasn't one we were ever looking for. I guess someone pulled down a big carcass (I have no idea where yet, but it might have nothing at all to do with water) so now stuff like this VistaScape is on the menu. >For large scale video monitoring, it's the best thing we've come across. What other vendor's products have you tried to compare and contrast VistaScape with? If the original VistaScape set up is a pain, how much tech time (per day, week, month) does it take to keep it up and going in real life versus what the factory says it should take? What does the day to day end user have to say about it? Are they on the verge of some new release of a new VistaScape software revision? Do you think that Siemens is going to change VistaScape and pull it close (like Bosch did with Radionics, DS and Phillips) or let it be what it has always been.

"J. @netscape.net>" On Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:45:56 GMT, "Roland"

Could be. VistaScape was started by software engineers rather than a security or video company looking for a new niche. The technology really is something different than the rest of the intelligent video/ video analytics on the market, so I think there is some value in that.

VistaScape is still a very small company compared to Nice, Verint, or Object Video. Most people in this industry had never heard of them before the Siemens announcement. The first time that I'm aware that we used it was at MassPort/ Logan. They were happy enough with the product to expand the contract considerably.

There really isn't anything else out there that I'm aware of that does what VistaScape does with the GPS/ GIS mapping and situational awareness thing. The user interface is what really sets it apart. We still use Object Video more because it has more applications like indoor security. VistaScape is really a niche product for large outdoor applications. All of the applications we've worked on have been homeland security/ asset protection covering a relatively large area.

The system itself consists of video processors that VistaScape calls appliances - ain't that original - and the software components. All of the ongoing maintenance that I'm aware of is typical IT stuff. With this product, I've been more involved in the pre-sales and installation phases, though.

The interface is probably the easiest CCTV user interface that I have seen for multiple cameras/ sensors over a large area. The analytics work fairly well, but I think there is some room for improvement here. We're involved in one project that is tasked with finding new technologies for port security/ antiterrorism. They looked at a bunch of different products, but really liked the VistaScape platform. It just fits there application well.

They seem to constantly be on the verge of doing something new with the software. They're still a software company and they operate like one. One thing I know they were looking at was the ability of autotracking objects with assessment cameras based on data received from detection sensors. They custom write drivers for third party sensor integration.

Of course they're telling me no, but who knows. We did business with Radionics and Philips (Burle) for years before they were bought, and we still do business the same way with those guys for the most part. However, Siemens is a direct competitor and a very active player in the port security/ asset protection arena where VistaScape is typically used.

Thanks for the info.

"J. @netscape.net>" >

I did some checking with some tech types. It seems that once installed there is a (more or less front guy & non technical) spokeperson that gets to field questions from the general public (a.k.a. "potential new customers") rather than ever asking the folks that use it day in and out. Their opinion is less of an endorsement and more of a diatribe against the product. So there are two sides to this coin after all. The other side says "don't pick this up just yet". Unfortunately with so much money on the line (for a niche product sold by small niche companies) with these large deals and their one off nature, I think a political selection is more the order of the day rather than a merits based one.

"J. @netscape.net>" >