When looking for surveillance options for your business, you probably never think about how those devices came to be. However, the technology available for surveillance has changed a lot over the years, and it’s only getting better and more sophisticated. Here’s a look at how technologies have made surveillance easier over the years.
History of Surveillance
The use of surveillance dates back centuries, with early examples including watchtowers to spot fires and enemies and to use telescopes to keep an eye on ships approaching ports.
The first video surveillance system was created in 1913 before the first spy shop opened. It was designed as a distance photographing system to record the movement of prisoners in Holloway prison. The plan was a large camera connected to a motor that allowed it to pan back and forth.
The subsequent big development in surveillance came about with the creation of CCTV (Closed Circuit Television). This technology was first used in Germany in 1942 to monitor the production line in a factory. Siemens was the first company to produce CCTV systems commercially.
CCTV systems became more common in the 1970s, with their use growing in various settings, including airports, banks, and military installations. In addition, the development of digital video recorders in the 1990s made CCTV even more popular, allowing for easy storage and retrieval of footage.
Something worth noting is that in the United States, the 1970-1980s saw a massive increase in the use of video surveillance by law enforcement. This was due to several factors, including the rise of violent crime and the War on Drugs. In the 90s, technological advancements made it possible for law enforcers to record the happenings on various surveillance cameras on cassettes.
Video surveillance as we know it today appeared at the beginning of the 21st century. Thanks to the internet, it’s now possible to have live-streaming videos of what’s happening in any given location. As a result, IP cameras, digital cameras that use the internet protocol for communication, are becoming increasingly popular.
Features of Modern Surveillance Systems
Now that we’ve looked at the history of video surveillance let’s look at some of the features of modern surveillance systems.
Remote Viewing
One of the most convenient features of modern surveillance systems is the ability to view footage from anywhere in the world. Thanks to IP cameras and cloud storage, you can check in on your business no matter where you are.
Motion Detection
Most modern surveillance systems come with motion detection capabilities. This means that the system will only start recording when it detects movement, which saves space on your storage device and makes it easier to find relevant footage.
Night Vision
Another useful feature of modern surveillance systems is night vision. This allows you to see what’s happening even when there’s no visible light. Night vision cameras use infrared technology to record images in low-light or no-light conditions.
Wireless Connection
Most modern surveillance systems are wireless, which makes them much easier to install than older, wired systems. Wireless systems are also more flexible, as you can move the cameras around if you need to change your surveillance setup.
The Rise of Cloud Surveillance
In recent years, cloud surveillance has become increasingly popular. Cloud surveillance systems are similar to traditional surveillance systems, but instead of storing footage on a local storage device, it’s stored on a remote server.
There are several benefits to using a cloud surveillance system. First, it’s more secure, as the footage is stored off-site and can’t be tampered with. It’s also more convenient, as you can access your footage from anywhere in the world.
The Future of Surveillance
Surveillance systems have come a long way since their humble beginnings. Surveillance systems are now more sophisticated and user-friendly than ever before, thanks to technological advances.
Looking to the future, it’s likely that we’ll see even more advancements in surveillance technology. Using AR, VR, ML, and AI will allow for even more sophisticated systems that can provide a wealth of information.
We may also see the rise of autonomous surveillance systems monitoring an area without human intervention. Mobile surveillance systems that can be deployed quickly in response to a security threat are also likely to become more popular.
As the world becomes increasingly connected, it’s clear that surveillance systems will play an important role in keeping us safe. What started as a way to deter crime has evolved into a complex and essential tool for law enforcement, businesses, and homeowners. Thanks to the ever-changing surveillance landscape, we can only imagine the future.
Whatever the future holds, one thing is for sure: surveillance systems are here to stay. So ensure your business is prepared with the right surveillance system for your needs.
