When rapid deployment, mobility, and versatile monitoring are required, mobile video surveillance offers the ideal solution. It is well‑suited for use at events and construction sites, providing wide‑area visibility, monitoring, and technology that adapts to the needs of the environment.
Loihde’s Director of Security Technology, Pasi Tikkanen, has mastered the intricacies of video surveillance over several decades. Over the years, both the needs and the technology have diversified. While most surveillance needs are long‑term, Loihde also provides solutions for temporary monitoring. The advantages of mobile video surveillance include quick deployment, adaptability, and independence from specific technologies.
“The unit simply needs to be placed on site, the support legs set up, and the cameras raised. It can operate either on electricity or, for example, a gas generator. No local cabling is required. The footage captured by the cameras can be directed wherever needed — whether to the cloud or the customer’s own systems,” Tikkanen summarises.
According to Tikkanen, mobile surveillance is particularly well‑suited for large events or construction site monitoring. Cameras elevated to five meters provide wide‑area coverage. In comparison, fixed building cameras are typically installed at around 3–3.5 meters, just out of arm’s reach. Those extra few meters in this solution provide significantly broader visibility — ideal for forming an overall situational view.
“Flying a drone for surveillance at public events is prohibited by Finnish law for safety reasons. A drone can be flown further away to capture general footage, but it cannot be used for actual monitoring. Mobile video surveillance, however, can be placed right in the middle of the event. A fence is built around the camera trailer, and the unit is secured to the ground with concrete slabs or straps.”
Depending on the need, the solution can incorporate various sensors, such as radar sensors.
“If necessary, we can measure vehicle speeds or monitor incoming and outgoing traffic. The system can also count the number of people in an area using object recognition, which is a particularly interesting feature for many. Alerts can be directed to the control center if the permitted number of attendees is exceeded.”
Mobile video surveillance has been used at Loihde for a long time. It has been utilised, for example, in industrial areas where customers want to test access control based on licence plates. The solution can also measure loads and their lengths. Thanks to its mobility, testing can be done lightly without heavy structures.
“In a lightweight setup, everything can be up and running in under an hour,” Tikkanen promises.
Typical customer questions relate to the possibilities of filming. According to Tikkanen, filming in outdoor public spaces is permitted, but not on privately owned property without permission.
“At public events, filming permissions are usually granted during the event permit process — for example, if the event is held in a town square. This often helps secure the permit, as the municipality can ensure that safety has been taken seriously. Naturally, security personnel are still required.”
Active monitoring increases the sense of safety for all event participants. According to Tikkanen, simply having cameras present has a calming effect.
“Based on my decades of experience, disturbances decrease when video surveillance is in place. And if the area is actively monitored — not just recorded — the control centre can intervene quickly through loudspeakers if a situation escalates. Flashing lights and other accessories are also possible.”
Mobile video surveillance intended for temporary use is ideal for single events or construction sites where the need lasts several months. The solution can be purchased outright or rented for a specific use.
“For example, cities may have recurring needs for mobile surveillance at various events. In such cases, it makes sense to acquire the solution permanently. When it’s not needed, it can be stored and deployed again for the next event.”
The need for mobile surveillance emerged strongly in a customer survey. The solution itself has long existed — Tikkanen was involved in building similar equipment already about ten years ago.
“The benefit of our solution is that we are not tied to specific platforms or technologies. Our solution adapts to whatever systems the customer uses,” Tikkanen concludes.