The building, which dates back to 72 AD and is one of the seven wonders of the world, has been fitted with several pan-tilt-zoom cameras with 26x optical zoom.
SN Technica, which carried out the installation, integrated the cameras onto an existing CCTV network.
It makes up part of a security systems overhaul that saw the local government department responsible for architectural conservation, the Soprintendenza Archeologica of Rome, update from analogue to IP. The original security system comprised of many fixed analogue cameras that were criticised for giving images with poor resolution. The new brief required as little cameras as possible to maintain the preservation of the monument, while securing all the areas on the site.
“A high level of security is vital to ensure the preservation of the amphitheatre”, a spokesman from Canon said, “and is therefore a key issue for the Soprintendenza Archeologica.”
Sergio Nitti, general manager at SN Tecnica, said: “Security was not only limited by the presence of outdated and underperforming analogue cameras, but also by the difficulty in placing cabling in the amphitheatre.
“The Soprintendenza Archeologica of Rome is extremely cautious about allowing any intervention in the Colosseum and there are strict limitations to work in the area in order to preserve it. It was clear that the fewer cameras we installed, the lower the risk would be of potential damage to the monument.”
Easy integration
While investigating potential new systems, Piero Meogrossi, technical director responsible for the Colosseum at Soprintendenza Archeologica, said: “For us, it was crucial to find a solution that could be easily integrated into our existing CCTV system. Canon’s solution was the perfect fit. Not only was the image quality and performance of Canon’s network cameras outstanding, but we were even more impressed by their seamless integration into our current IP network.”
SN Tecnica created unobtrusive thermal housings to protect both the Canon cameras and other electrical equipment from adverse weather. The systems integrator also implemented an encrypted Wi-Fi bridge connection to enable remote data transmission through the two security observatories in the Colosseum.
The local control room was linked remotely to the main control room, which SN Tecnica equipped with a high capacity storage server running a customised version of Canon’s software translated into Italian.
Nitti said: “We developed a bespoke solution to meet the specific needs of the Colosseum. Compared to the previous infrastructure of fixed, analogue cameras, the Canon VB network cameras allow improved coverage with fewer devices. The cameras’ compact bodies make them unobtrusive and their PTZ functionality has significantly extended the Colosseum’s surveillance capability.”
Viewing angles may be adjusted due to PTZ and coverage can be expanded to a full 360 degrees horizontal field of view. The cameras can also be set to pan and tilt to follow movement.
CCTV solution extends to virtual tours for tourists
The cameras have also been praised for their performance in low lighting conditions.
Nitti said: “Canon’s bright lenses, combined with high sensitivity image sensors and Canon’s Digicnet network engine, provide clear visibility of subjects and surroundings even in low-light conditions. This has turned into a significant asset for the Colosseum’s security team, which can easily detect any suspicious movement in every part of the site.”
Images from CCTV system may also be used online for virtual tours of the building. A multimedia platform called Colosseumweb has been set up to promote the cultural and artistic value of the amphitheatre.
Meogrossi said: “Since 2003, we have been discussing the need to extend the renovation process of the Colosseum by pursuing additional technical and structural improvements together with tourism initiatives. Through additional Canon network cameras accessible through into the Colosseumweb platform, it would then be possible to have immediate access to a virtual tour of the building, remotely exploring the area as if it was a live visit.”