VistaScape Automated Video Surveillance to Enhance
Security at Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport
Multi-Sensor Security Management System to Help Secure Airport Perimeter
HOUSTON, Sep 20, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- VistaScape Security Systems
announced today that its Automated Wide-Area Surveillance platform will be
part of an advanced perimeter security system at Knoxville's McGhee Tyson
Airport (TYS).
Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA), the governing body for
McGhee Tyson Airport, chose VistaScape with the goal of improving the
airport's security system. McGhee Tyson has supported and promoted growth in
aviation security by hosting tests of security components that range from
access control biometrics to explosive detection systems.
Comprehensive evaluation of the new system will be conducted by National
Safe Skies Alliance (Safe Skies), which will provide the MKAA and the TSA
with valuable information about the operational and security effectiveness
of the solution. The project is funded by a grant from the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA).
VistaScape's software works with surveillance cameras and other sensors to
continually check for intruders and automatically alert guards to prevent
security breaches. The software can monitor a variety of security sensors,
such as bio, chemical, radar and GPS, with the ability to report abnormal
activities and activate local cameras to visually inspect a signaling
sensor. Cameras, microwave sensors and access control are among the
equipment that McGhee Tyson Airport plans to integrate with VistaScape's
software.
"McGhee Tyson is taking a multi-layered approach to perimeter security by
using redundant security sensors tied together through software from
VistaScape," said Tom Aiken, Director of Public Safety for the MKAA. "A
secure perimeter is a core component in any airport's overall security
strategy and this project will serve as a model for other airports around
the nation."
McGhee Tyson Airport has contracted Safe Skies to perform the independent
evaluation of the installed system. "As an independent and objective
evaluator of leading-edge airport security solutions, Safe Skies will
contribute our findings from the project to the TSA for the benefit of other
airports across the nation," said Ken Martin, Senior Test Engineer at Safe
Skies.
Despite intense media scrutiny on internal airport security issues, such as
baggage and passenger screening, improved perimeter security at airports is
also a major goal of the TSA. In a report issued in June 2004, "Further
Steps Needed to Strengthen the Security of Commercial Airport Perimeters and
Access Controls," the General Accounting Office (GAO) recommended stronger
perimeter security efforts at U.S. airports.
About McGhee Tyson Airport
McGhee Tyson Airport is the premier air facility in East Tennessee, serving
the commercial airline industry, air cargo, military aviation and general
aviation. With parallel 9,000 feet runways, McGhee Tyson Airport can
accommodate any size aircraft in today's inventory. Located 12 miles south
of downtown Knoxville, the airport occupies more than 2,000 acres of land
with space for additional air cargo facilities or economic development. The
Airport has several major airlines serving many non-stop destinations
throughout the eastern U.S. With more than 120 arrivals and departures each
day and more than 4,000 seats available, McGhee Tyson Airport is one of the
most convenient and accessible regional airports in the nation.
About National Safe Skies Alliance (Safe Skies)
The National Safe Skies Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation and
membership-based organization, with over 80 members of stakeholders and
solution providers for the commercial aviation industry. Safe Skies is
dedicated to the investigation of new technologies that are applicable to
the world of aviation security. In addition to its membership resources,
Safe Skies has an internal staff of security and engineering professionals
and statisticians who provide operational assessments of security systems
and technologies for the United States Department of Homeland Security's
Transportation Security Administration. To date, Safe Skies has conducted in
excess of 80 assessments in over 30 airports.
About VistaScape Security Systems
VistaScape Security Systems is the leading provider of software solutions
for Automated Wide-Area Surveillance. VistaScape's product intelligently
analyzes data from video and other sensors to automatically detect threats
and issue alerts. It delivers a complete view of a secure area, enabling
security personnel to visually define and centrally manage an automated
security policy. VistaScape's approach improves overall security and
substantially lowers operational costs. For more information, visit
http://www.vistascape.com.
SOURCE: VistaScape Security Systems
VistaScape Security Systems
Media/Press Contacts
Heather Alexander, 678/919-2363
halexander@vistascape.com
or
Blanc & Otus
Wade Coleman, 678/477-1128
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