The Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA; Singapore City, Singapore) is a rapidly expanding transport systems in the second most densely populated country in the world. Roads account for 12% of the total land area, and transport demands are expected to increase by 60% by 2020. SMRT Corporation is responsible for operating the LTA under a government of Singapore concession.

A few years ago, March Networks (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) installed approximately 2,000 video cameras, for SMRT. However, the SMRT transit system has since tripled in size.

March Networks provides centralized storage and management for IP (Internet Protocol)-videos across the authority's North-South and East-West transit network. SMRT is now deploying March Networks' VideoSphere software, as well as hybrid video-encoding platforms and system health-management software, to support the installation of additional CCTV cameras in 51 train stations located across the country. As Peter Wilenius, vice president of global marketing for March Networks, explained, "[The VideoSphere software] integrates not only the video that is being archived from those network video recorders that we deployed four years ago, but also the new systems we are deploying today all into one system."

Although the LTA's integrated surveillance network only currently applies to fixed cameras in transit stations and other infrastructure facilities, it should eventually be possible to extend its use to mobile platforms. "Ultimately, we see the industry is going in that direction," Mr. Wilenius said. "SMRT could very well be managing and monitoring every camera in their infrastructure, whether it is a moving vehicle or a subway platform in a completely integrated system."

Related links:
Singapore Land Transport Authority
SMRT
March Networks