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Launched in November 2022 Edinburgh's new Operations Centre receives real-time data from the CCTV network 24/7. This will integrate with other technologies and help to improve traffic flow, transport infrastructure and city planning - subsequently improving the city’s collective carbon footprint.
The City Operations Centre includes a Video Management System (VMS) and incorporates the latest video analytical software to better manage the operational requirements of the city. These analytics create many efficiencies in the operational day-to-day running of the service, such as being able to automatically detect and alert an operator of an object left in a designated area and contact blue light services via an automated incident workflow when required.
There are many service benefits posed by a system capable of these analytics and automated responses which enable operators to handle public safety incidents as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Introduction of this cutting-edge VMS enables the transition from being a primarily reactive service to a proactive one by utilising data to leverage insights for the city. By installing high resolution IP cameras, particularly within locations at main thoroughfares, the video analytical software provides a richer view of how people interact with the built environment – whether on foot, bicycle or vehicle. This data analysis can allow for better city planning and data-driven flow management.
CCTV stands for Closed-Circuit Television and, whilst historically this has been an accurate portrayal of a public realm system primarily used to prevent and detect crime, technology has evolved. IP cameras and their digital video systems in the industry today have transformed what they can do for end-users such as City of Edinburgh Council.
The ERDF 8th City Programme steered colleagues at Edinburgh to innovate and convert the existing CCTV service into a futureproofed end-to-end visual sensor infrastructure. Approaching the system planning phase with a blank slate and cutting-edge technology in mind, a vision for developing the foundations of a Smart City Operations Centre soon materialised.
Edinburgh has installed an advanced Video Management System (VMS), modern networking mesh for the transmission of data across the city and high-resolution IP cameras to create a state-of-the-art Video Surveillance System as part of the Public Safety project.
The Edinburgh City Operations project is being delivered as part of the 'Scotland's 8th City - the Smart City' ERDF programme. All cities involved are committed to 'community and citizen stakeholder engagement' as an additional programme output - with engagement required pre-, during, and post-project delivery.
For this project an extensive Stakeholder Engagement strategy and action plan was implemented with engagement taking place with internal (CEC) and external partners at the planning and delivery, phases, with further engagement planned as part of post-project activity.
