Plymouth-based Outersight (UK) Ltd specialises in designing wildlife observation systems for remote and hazardous locations. Managing director Peter Barlow has been working with the SSC for more than 10 years and designed the centre’s surveillance infrastructure.
The SSC is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Scotland, winning many awards, and is a world leader in the use of remote cameras to observe wildlife which includes Sea Eagles, Gannets, Puffins and Grey Seals.
Visitors to the centre view footage on large screens and can move any of the 10 live cameras using a joystick which controls the pan and tilt of the camera and can be used to zoom in and out.
This ensures they are always looking at something they find interesting. All focus and iris functions are carried out automatically by the MIC Series camera which does an excellent job of optimising the picture. Web feeds are also available 24/7 via the SSC website.
Rugged and durable
The MIC cameras are known for their rugged design and durability, which is imperative for such remote locations
Barlow said: “Many of the camera locations are not accessible during breeding season, or on cliff faces that would require specialist climbing equipment to reach in the event of a camera failure.
“As the SSC is a charity, all expenditure has to be funded by donations or visitor ticket sales so minimising the cost of maintenance is essential.”
The cameras are subjected to gusting winds in excess of 100mph, waves, sand and corrosion from sea spray, but Barlow said: “the MIC series cameras cope with all these tough environmental conditions impeccably.”
Ensuring the birds are not disturbed by the cameras is of paramount importance, he said: “The brushless design means there is very little noise from the camera as it moves, so birds are happy to nest nearby and visitors get as ‘up close and personal’ as possible.”
Isle of May
The first MIC Series camera was installed in 2001 on the Isle of May with video signals relayed via a fibre optic cable and analogue microwave link back to the SSC.
Following the successful trial, cameras were upgraded on Bass Rock a year later and in 2003, another MIC camera was installed on the Scope Deck at SSC. Six more MIC Series 400 cameras were installed over the years, in various remote locations.
The compact design of the MIC Series cameras limits wind resistance, which in turn reduces vibration at high zoom ratios according to Barlow: “The camera’s smooth rounded design means the it is very bird friendly, and with a small amount of camouflage paint the cameras blend well into their beautiful surroundings and are barely visible from a distance.
“We naturally want to cause as little disruption as possible.”
Free Download: The Video Surveillance Report 2023
Discover the latest developments in the rapidly-evolving video surveillance sector by downloading the 2023 Video Surveillance Report. Over 500 responses to our survey, which come from integrators to consultants and heads of security, inform our analysis of the latest trends including AI, the state of the video surveillance market, uptake of the cloud, and the wider economic and geopolitical events impacting the sector!
Download for FREE to discover top industry insight around the latest innovations in video surveillance systems.
