Reliable protection of railway infrastructure

3D LiDAR-based security for rail and metro

Railway and metro systems are increasingly exposed to security risks, making the protection of rail infrastructure and passengers a top priority. Key challenges for metro and railway operators include the effective monitoring of critical areas such as large open platforms, tunnels, and restricted zones. Rail security systems must enable rapid responses to potential threats and handle incidents efficiently, while ensuring smooth daily operations.

Blickfeld’s LiDAR technology provides a decisive advantage for safeguarding rail infrastructure through precise, adaptable, and wide-area 3D surveillance. QbProtect, the Smart 3D Security LiDAR, performs reliably under varying outdoor conditions such as darkness and rain, and is able to detect objects of different sizes regardless of distance. This allows common false alarm sources, such as small animals, to be effectively filtered out. QbProtect supports the creation of virtual zones for different types of alarms, including early warnings and climbing detection, enabling the early identification of unauthorized access and ensuring rapid response. The dense point cloud data significantly enhances alarm verification. In addition, QbProtect integrates seamlessly into existing security infrastructure and video management systems (VMS), strengthening central monitoring for railway security systems.

Securing remote railway sites against unauthorized access

Railway operators need to secure vast areas without security personnel on site. QbProtect detects intruders in real time as soon as they enter predefined zones, when climbing over a fence or entering a tunnel. Instead of false alarms caused by animals or vegetation, the system delivers only real threats. Thanks to its laser-based technology, QbProtect detects objects regardless of lighting or weather conditions.

Early prevention of vandalism and sabotage

Graffiti, theft, and damage to railway infrastructure are unfortunately common challenges for rail operators. With advanced alarm logic, such as analyzing dwell time and object position, QbProtect identifies human activities like vandalism at an early stage. High-resolution 3D data enables security teams to instantly verify alarms and respond in a targeted way, enabling timely intervention.

Seamless integration into railway infrastructure

Thanks to its compact design, QbProtect can be easily mounted on existing infrastructure such as fences or poles. With on-device data processing and Power-over-Ethernet, installation and maintenance are kept to a minimum – ideal for remote or hard-to-access railway areas. QbProtect also integrates with common VMS/PSIM systems via ONVIF for centralized monitoring.

Privacy-compliant security

LiDAR technology enables GDPR-compliant monitoring by capturing only anonymous 3D data without recording any personal information. This makes it possible to securely monitor sensitive public areas such as railway and metro platforms. QbProtect reliably detects and tracks hazardous behavior, e.g. when people approach the platform edge, and enables early intervention to prevent accidents.

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Enhance railway safety with 3D LiDAR technology. Blickfeld QbProtect uses high-resolution point cloud data and virtual zones to accurately detect unauthorised access and alert security personnel at an early stage.

Our Security Solutions for Metro and Railway Systems

Infrastructure Protection

LiDAR offers robust security for railway infrastructure by effectively monitoring critical elements such as tracks, buildings, land, and equipment that support rail lines. Its ability to cover extensive areas and adapt to varying environmental conditions ensures that any unauthorized access or movement is promptly detected.

Vandalism and Property Protection

LiDAR is particularly effective in monitoring sensitive areas such as tunnel entrances and storage facilities. This specialized application helps prevent vandalism, including graffiti, and other forms of property damage. By focusing on these critical areas, LiDAR improves the protection and maintenance of key railway assets and infrastructure.

Platform Protection

LiDAR technology significantly enhances passenger safety on platforms by providing continuous, real-time monitoring. It detects unusual movements, such as passengers dangerously approaching the track, helping to prevent accidents and maintain a secure environment, even during peak hours. Unlike cameras, LiDAR sensors do not capture facial features, allowing for anonymous detection while still effectively identifying potential hazards across critical areas like platforms and waiting zones.

Rail Yard Security

Rail yards and maintenance facilities, where trains are stored and repaired, demand robust security to protect valuable assets from vandalism, theft, or sabotage. LiDAR strengthens security by offering continuous, comprehensive surveillance of these extensive and complex areas. It features sabotage and malfunction alarms to promptly address any tampering or operational issues. Its ability to detect and monitor unauthorized entry in real-time ensures rapid response to potential threats.

Railway Operational Facilities Protection

Key railway infrastructure components, such as substations, are essential for the network’s smooth operation. LiDAR provides precise and proactive security for these critical sites by continuously monitoring for unauthorized access or suspicious activity in real-time. This advanced detection capability helps prevent potential disruptions and ensures the protection of the infrastructure vital to the railway system’s functionality.

Blog POST

Reducing false alarms with 3D LiDAR

False alarms are a major challenge for modern security systems. They cost time, resources, and can affect the reaction time of security personnel. The use of 3D LiDAR technology helps to significantly reduce false alarms by enabling precise object detection – regardless of weather, lighting conditions or sources of interference.

We are delighted with the performance of the Blickfeld LiDAR technology that we have embedded into our ComPOL solutions. It complements our various onboard detection capabilities and enhances our back office decision support and detection capabilities for our clients especially in complex environments.

The Blickfeld 3D Security LiDAR is the ideal addition to our video, fence and ground detection systems. The ability to precisely detect the position of objects and people even at long distances is a real game changer. The 3D data analysis not only provides us with precise information about the position of people, but also valuable insights into their movement patterns. This shortens reaction times considerably and enables security personnel to act more proactively. I can recommend the Blickfeld 3D Security LiDAR to any company that wants to take its security infrastructure to the next level.

Get in Touch

Would you like to learn more about Blickfeld QbProtect and the applications of 3D LiDAR technology in security? Send us a message, give us a call, or schedule a meeting—we’re happy to assist you!