Hexagon - Experts & Thought Leaders

EG.D, part of the E.ON group, supplies electricity to 2.7 million people in the southern regions of the Czech Republic, on the borders of Austria and Germany. The company operates and maintains infrastructure, including power lines and high-voltage transformer substations. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2024, global electricity consumption increased nearly two times the annual average of the past decade. How LiDAR technology could be used EG.D wanted to assess how volumetric and LiDAR technology could be used to bolster the physical security At the same time, new regulations such as the Critical Entities Resilience (CER) Directive, which will come into force across all European Union Member States in July 2026, and Germany’s KRITIS Umbrella law, are being introduced to guide organisations responsible for national critical infrastructure in ensuring their resilience in the face of existing and emerging threats.  A longtime Hexagon customer, EG.D wanted to assess how volumetric and LiDAR technology could be used to bolster the physical security of its substations. For this, it chose Hexagon’s HxGN dC3 LidarVision. Ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure For energy providers, transformer substations are an integral component of the energy grid, securely and reliably transmitting electricity to homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, etc., at the correct voltage. Major incidents involving substations are rare, due to the rigorous monitoring, maintenance, safety and security measures in place. However, when a situation arises, it can cause significant problems, as was highlighted in early 2025 when a fire at a site in the UK interrupted power to 5,000 homes and affected a large international airport. LiDAR-based 3D surveillance technology EG.D chose to embark on a pioneering pilot project that would test the capabilities Until recently, best practice for safeguarding unmanned substations focused on traditional forms of perimeter protection using fencing (typically steel and passive infrared sensors), alarms, remote monitoring via CCTV cameras and an access control system (often operated via a card or biometrics to manage authorised entrance). However, EG.D decided to embark on a pioneering pilot project that would test the capabilities of the very latest in LiDAR-based 3D surveillance technology. A pilot project for improved substation safety and security Tomáš Sofka, security technologies at EG.D explained, “We have partnered with Hexagon for many years in the field of GIS and were particularly impressed by their innovative solutions in volumetric detection and LiDAR technology." "We wanted to assess how the technology could be used to provide stronger security to keep unauthorised people out of substations, locate intruders and improve safeguards for maintenance personnel while they are working on-site near high-voltage equipment.”  HxGN dC3 LidarVision was the solution chosen for the project. This advanced 3D surveillance software solution is based on volumetric detection technology and is designed to secure entire sites, unlike traditional perimeter protection systems, which tend to concentrate only on the fence line. Five LiDAR sensors The project uses five strategically placed LiDAR sensors that enable the virtual creation of secure The project uses five strategically placed LiDAR sensors that enable the virtual creation of secure, safe and sterile zones (including the perimeter fence). Crucially, these zones can be switched on and off or changed at the click of a button or drag of the mouse. For example, when maintenance is being carried out, the zone in which the work is taking place can be deactivated. Meanwhile, other areas remain live to prevent workers from straying into an unauthorised or potentially hazardous area.  EG.D’s security control room Authorised personnel and trespassers can also be automatically monitored and tracked via a live, real-time feed into EG.D’s security control room. Furthermore, the system recognises the number of people and their precise positions, along with their speeds and directions of movement (if walking or running) and even their projected trajectories.  This can be augmented further with PTZ cameras, alarms and speaker systems to communicate with the person(s) in question.  Resilience of safety and security measures Another significant benefit of this type of system is the ability to create a digital twin for every substation Another significant advantage of this type of system is the ability to create a digital twin for every substation. In doing so, scenarios can be played out virtually to test the resistance and resilience of safety and security measures.  Essentially, it creates a 3D representation/map of the entire facility that they can interact with. It enables the positioning of LiDAR sensors and cameras to be optimised to mitigate potential blind spots or poor viewing angles before anyone steps on site.  The system can be enhanced further using thermal sensors and cameras that monitor the temperature of designated areas and raise an alert if it deviates from the norm. This is valuable for intrusion detection (whether human or animal) and the early detection of fire, before it begins to smoke or ignite. Setting a new standard that is gaining worldwide attention  “Our experience working with Hexagon has been exceptional. The collaboration was exemplary and professional throughout all phases of the project,” said Sofka. “The response of the management team to the pilot operation has been overwhelmingly positive and we highly recommend Hexagon to other organisations.” As a result of the pilot’s success, EG.D and Hexagon are working together on a plan to roll out HxGN dC3 LidarVision to other energy facilities across the grid. The company is also actively sharing its knowledge with other national energy companies, including those in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific region, which are considering this new approach as the possible gold standard for substation resilience, safety and security.

In what is fast becoming a calendar highlight, members of the Gallagher Security Australia team, together with their Channel Partners, End Users, Technology Partners, and Consultants took to the green on Thursday for their third annual Charity Golf Day event, raising money for child protection organisation, Bravehearts.   More than 130 people turned out to The Palms Golf Course at Sanctuary Cove in Queensland for an action-packed 18 holes, and their efforts were rewarded, with this year’s event raising AUD $57,000 to support Bravehearts, as they continue their vital work dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse, a crime experienced by one in four Australians. Gallagher raised in previous years Gallagher raised the bar on previous years, with Thursday’s event recording the highest donation Together with their sponsors, ADT Security, Assa Abloy, B&R Enclosures, Convergint, Hexagon, Optic Security, PMT, Salto, Securcom, Seme Solutions, and Traka, along with Print Partner, CV Services Group, Gallagher raised the bar on previous years, with Thursday’s event recording the highest donation tally to date and the largest pool of players.  Gallagher Security Executive Vice President for Asia Pacific (APAC) and India, Middle East, and Africa (IMEA), Craig Schutte, says, “We are thrilled with the success of this year’s event and are grateful for the continued support of our sponsors and all those who took part last week." Longstanding support of Bravehearts Schutte added: "Coming together to positively impact and support the critically important work of Bravehearts is something we remain firmly committed to, and I’d like to thank everyone who took part for their support and participation at this year’s event.”  “As a company, people are the cornerstone of everything we do, and we are committed to continuing our longstanding support of Bravehearts and together unlocking more opportunities to improve the lives of Australian children impacted by sexual abuse.”  Gallagher's wider security industry’s support Bravehearts CEO, Alison Geale says, "Bravehearts is deeply appreciative of the ongoing support from the Gallagher Security Australia team, whose contributions continue to play a vital role in sustaining our services."  “Their commitment, particularly through their annual Charity Golf Day, helps address funding gaps, ensuring the continued delivery of our support, and the expansion of our work in Australian schools and early learning centres."  “We are grateful for Gallagher and the wider security industry’s support. It is instrumental in advancing our mission to provide a coordinated approach to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse."  Gallagher’s 2025 Charity Golf Day Gallagher’s 2025 Charity Golf Day marked the largest fundraising event held by one of Bravehearts Bravehearts National Partnerships Manager, Kylie Hewitt, was delighted to note that Gallagher’s 2025 Charity Golf Day marked the largest fundraising event held by one of Bravehearts’ partners since it was established over 25 years ago.    “$57,000 goes an extremely long way at Bravehearts. It can fund 380 specialist trauma-informed counselling sessions for children affected by sexual abuse. It can also help Bravehearts educate over 4,750 children about personal safety, which could change the trajectory of children’s lives,” says Kylie. Introduce the Platinum Sponsor  Gallagher Security, National Events Manager, Nicola Johnson, was pleased to host the event after it was unfortunately postponed earlier this year due to inclement weather.   “Our Charity Golf Day is an annual highlight, and one the team proudly gets behind. Since its inception in 2023, we’ve seen support for the event increase year-on-year, and we simply could not do it without our sponsors. This year we’re proud to introduce our Platinum Sponsor, Securcom, whose support of Bravehearts has been integral over the years,” says Nicola.   Queensland businesses stepped with donations Nicola added: “Alongside this, several community-minded Queensland businesses stepped forward with donations for a highly sought after raffle to boost the amount we could fundraise for Bravehearts." "Worth over $7,000, our thanks go to Balter Brewing, Burleigh Brewing Co, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Drummond Golf Biggera Waters, Gemelli Broadbeach, Holy Ship, Johnson Controls, Kendor Distillery, Porsche Centre Gold Coast, Ray White Shore Group, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club, Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, Stratus and Vela Estate for their generous support.”   Gallagher’s local Channel Partners Bravehearts relies on the support and fundraising initiatives of companies and individuals As a not-for-profit organisation operating for more than 25 years, Bravehearts relies on the support and fundraising initiatives of companies and individuals to enable them to continue the work they do in the community.    Gallagher’s local Channel Partners were encouraged to bring along their customers to support the cause and benefit from the opportunity to network with like-minded businesses and industry suppliers.  Gallagher’s ongoing relationship In addition to Gallagher’s Charity Golf Day event, Gallagher’s ongoing relationship with Bravehearts, which began in 2022, includes supporting the annual Bravehearts Ball, Bravehearts’ own golf day, and the ongoing support and maintenance of the Gallagher security system donated and installed at Bravehearts HQ in 2022, in conjunction with Gallagher Security Certified Channel Partner and Platinum Sponsor of this year’s golf day, Securcom.

Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division launches HxGN dC3 Video | Cloud, a new AI-enhanced, cloud-based video management system that enables more agile and resilient surveillance operations. With the increasing availability of reliable high-bandwidth connections, organisations are adopting a cloud-first strategy and turning to video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) for physical security, especially in distributed installations with many sites. The new cloud offering broadens the HxGN dC3 portfolio, Hexagon’s comprehensive ecosystem of physical security solutions, to provide organizations multiple deployment options and added benefits, such as increased scalability, real-time updates, and reduced operating costs. HxGN dC3 Video | Cloud HxGN dC3 Video | Cloud allows users to view, manage, and control video feeds from anywhere HxGN dC3 Video | Cloud allows users to view, manage, and control video feeds from anywhere. The platform also supports a broad spectrum of IP cameras from multiple vendors, avoiding dependence on any specific hardware. Video analytics leveraging generative AI significantly speeds up investigations by delivering insights through features like object tracking and behaviour analysis. Generative AI also simplifies tasks such as monitoring, searching, and identifying actionable insights with seamless, natural-language interaction with the application. Robust security operations With end-to-end encryption, granular access controls, and compliance with global regulations, HxGN dC3 Video | Cloud supports robust security operations in health care, finance, retail, campus, public safety, and other enterprise organisations. “HxGN dC3 Video | Cloud represents a significant leap forward in video surveillance technology,” said Mladen Stojic, president of security for Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division. “By combining the scalability and flexibility of the cloud with advanced AI-driven analytics, we’re empowering organisations to enhance their security operations with unprecedented efficiency, agility and insight.”

It is the time of year when city centres transform, as outdoor Christmas markets fill town squares and high streets. An estimated 6,000 markets will open across Europe during the festive season, with some of the largest — including Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Craiova in Romania — welcoming millions of visitors. Sadly, these popular events have in recent years been the subject of attacks, most notably Berlin in 2016 and the tragedy in Magdeburg last December, where a vehicle was driven into the crowd. Incidents such as these have encouraged governments, including the UK with the introduction of Martyn’s Law, to strengthen planning and preparation for large-scale public events. Digital twins: A new standard for event preparation Drone-based photogrammetry captures streets, squares and surrounding buildings with exceptional detail One of the most effective tools for preparing and safeguarding public spaces today is the creation of a photorealistic digital twin — a highly accurate 3D virtual model of the intended market area. Drone-based photogrammetry captures streets, squares and surrounding buildings with exceptional detail, enabling planners to work within a realistic and immersive environment long before any physical structures are installed. Digital twin design tools can ingest these datasets and visualise them using advanced technologies, creating a lifelike representation of even the most complex outdoor scenes. Designing the market in 3D before construction begins Once the digital twin is created, event organisers, city authorities and security specialists can begin shaping the market virtually. Temporary stalls, lighting installations, stages, decorative structures, back-office units, Christmas trees, ice rinks and other festive features can be positioned directly within the digital model. It‘s also possible to place static representations of people or larger groups to approximate crowd density and understand how occupied space will influence visibility, accessibility and the overall perception of the environment. This ability to design and refine the market layout before construction allows planners to test multiple variations, understand how structures interact and ensure that the environment remains safe and manageable throughout the event. Virtual camera planning, coverage assessment and analysis Digital twins also provide a robust foundation for planning the deployment of visual-monitoring systems Digital twins also provide a robust foundation for planning the deployment of visual-monitoring systems. Cameras can be placed directly into the 3D environment, allowing planners to immediately see how temporary structures, decorations or pedestrian flows will influence the field of view. Blind spots become apparent, alternative camera heights or angles can be explored and strategic decisions about additional mounting points or temporary towers can be made with confidence. For each planned camera, the expected resolution per metre or per foot is visualised directly inside the digital twin. Instead of relying on theoretical charts or static design tables, planners can instantly see whether a particular camera position will deliver the clarity required for the intended purpose, whether it is early detection of movement, recognition of behaviour patterns or full identification of individuals. Real-time visual feedback This real-time visual feedback makes the entire planning process more precise, transparent and efficient. These evaluations can be carried out within the realistic daytime environment captured by the digital twin. Planners can also prepare alternative scene variants — for example, dedicated night-time versions or layouts reflecting festive lighting — to understand how visibility and coverage may change throughout the event. Even without full weather simulation, this approach allows teams to anticipate typical operational challenges and refine the monitoring concept well before the first stall is erected. Testing safety and security scenarios Perhaps the greatest advantage of working with a digital twin is the ability to explore the environment from multiple perspectives before the event begins. Although the scene itself is static, planners can move through it using a virtual intruder to understand how the market will appear from ground level and to identify potential vulnerabilities that may not be obvious from a top-down view. This makes it possible to assess where hostile-vehicle barriers should be positioned, how narrow passages might feel when occupied, or where visibility may be reduced due to temporary structures or decorations. The static digital twin also provides a clear way to evaluate emergency access lanes, determine suitable locations for help points or medical posts and plan the general layout of security patrol routes. By navigating the scene freely and observing it from different perspectives, teams can refine the design and address potential blind spots long before construction begins. A unified environment with LiDAR The created digital twin also becomes the primary visualisation environment for LiDAR during live operations Beyond planning, the created digital twin also becomes the primary visualisation environment for LiDAR during live operations. Operators can interact with this 3D map directly and with a single click on any location, all PTZ cameras capable of viewing that point automatically reposition to it. This provides an unmatched navigation interface for real-time camera control, making situational awareness significantly faster and more intuitive. LiDAR then works seamlessly with a video management system, which controls all camera streams, recordings and video evidence, creating a tightly integrated monitoring workflow. Supporting real-world operations Once the market opens, the digital twin continues to serve as a valuable operational resource. If layouts change during the event — for example, because of additional attractions, adjusted walkways or altered security checkpoints — these modifications can be quickly modelled and evaluated before implementation. When the festive season concludes, the same model can be repurposed for future events, long-term city planning or other public-space deployments. A safer and smarter festive season Christmas markets are vibrant, high-profile and densely populated environments, making them attractive targets for those seeking to cause disruption. By combining detailed photogrammetry, advanced 3D visualisation, and rigorous spatial evaluation, cities can create safer, better-prepared, and more resilient festive settings. With tools such as digital twins and LiDAR, authorities can plan more effectively, anticipate risks earlier and ensure that every stall, pathway and vantage point contributes to a joyful — and secure — holiday season.

The terrorism threat in the UK is very real. In fact, since July 2019, the threat level has never dropped lower than “substantial” or “severe.” To ensure preparedness across public places and events, the UK government has introduced the new Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, more commonly known as Martyn’s Law in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. Overarching aim The new legislation requires operators of public spaces and events to immediately assess and improve their readiness to respond to a terrorist attack. The overarching aim: being better prepared, protected and ready to respond should an attack occur.  Everything from busy shopping centres to large stadiums must comply with Martyn’s Law by April 2027, and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is charged with enforcing the rules. Upgraded security systems The smaller venues and events are only required to enforce low-cost solutions with no physical measures There are different rules depending on the capacity of public premises or the event, ranging from a standard-duty premises (200 – 799 people, including staff) to an enhanced-duty premise (over 800). The smaller venues and events are only required to implement low-cost solutions with no physical measures. Enhanced environments, however, must provide monitoring in and around the facility and document public protection measures. Many organisations will likely invest in upgraded security systems. However, effective responses depend not only on hardware but also on situational awareness and training, helping staff identify potential threats and respond effectively under pressure. Physical security information management systems Terror-related attacks are rare and unpredictable, and the most experienced personnel are not always on shift when something does occur. Even if they are, the most seasoned security professionals can’t ensure every decision they make is the right one. One solution gaining attention is physical security information management (PSIM) systems, which integrate siloed security tools — such as CCTV, access control and fire sensors — into a unified platform. PSIMs enable rapid information processing, automated workflows and coordinated responses to incidents, whether routine or critical. Use PSIMs to handle emergencies PSIM systems have been around for many years and have been embraced by large airports and mass transit organisations PSIM systems have been around for many years and have been embraced by large airports, mass transit organisations and critical infrastructure companies. However, these systems are ideally suited to any larger scale environment, such as those classified as an enhanced-duty premise by Martyn’s Law. For example, airports use PSIMs to handle emergencies, locate missing persons or assess potential threats like unattended luggage. Similarly, PSIMs can improve situational awareness for stadiums, shopping centres and event venues, aiding crowd management, emergency evacuations and collaboration with police or emergency services. External stakeholder intervention Should an incident require external stakeholder intervention, the PSIM becomes a mission-critical collaboration tool, enabling real-time information (including video footage) to be shared with decision-makers, emergency control rooms and first responders en route to the scene. This ensures they arrive with the appropriate resources and can deploy faster to the right places. PSIM systems also facilitate post-incident analysis, helping organisations improve protocols, demonstrate compliance and fulfil their duty of care. Impacted by terror-related tragedies Martyn’s Law aims to eliminate the complacent mindset of “it won’t happen here” when assessing the risks associated with public gatherings. Communities impacted by terror-related tragedies serve as a stark reminder that such incidents can and do occur. Within the security sector, it is crucial to promote discussions on how new approaches, technologies, and training can enhance preparedness. Equally important is the responsibility to raise awareness about Martyn’s Law and its role in fostering safer public spaces.

Seven minutes. That’s how long the recent Louvre heist took. In broad daylight, a group of thieves rode up on a construction platform, smashed display cases, stole several historical jewels tied to the Napoleonic dynasty and escaped on scooters before anyone in the control room even realised what was happening. It sounds like a scene straight out of “Mission: Impossible.” Only this time, Tom Cruise wasn’t there. In movies, we often see tight webs of red laser beams guarding treasures, with the hero gracefully sliding between them. Reality, however, is far less cinematic. Most museums still rely on mechanical sensors, simple infrared barriers, cameras and the most fallible component of all: the human eye. But the human eye doesn’t measure space. A camera records an image, but it doesn’t know that a display case has shifted by three centimetres, or that a visitor’s hand just crossed an invisible boundary. That’s where a new kind of perception comes in — LiDAR. From Hollywood fantasy to real-world security Forget the tangled maze of laser beams you’ve seen in films. A modern 128-channel rotating LiDAR fires hundreds of thousands of laser pulses per rotation — and it does this up to 10 times per second. That’s millions of spatial measurements every second, creating an invisible web of light that maps the scene in 3D, without anyone ever noticing. What LiDAR builds is called a point cloud — a live three-dimensional model of the environment. The system constantly compares this “snapshot” with the current scene. If anything changes — a hand moves closer to an artefact, a case is displaced or an object disappears — LiDAR detects it instantly. When technology sees in 3D Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras automatically turn to the exact spot and start recording LiDAR technology (such as LidarVision, developed by Hexagon), brings true 3D situational awareness into museums and galleries. It doesn’t just see that someone is moving; it knows where, how fast and in what trajectory. Each detected object is tracked with its precise dimensions, velocity and spatial position. If a visitor steps too close to a protected exhibit, the system triggers an alarm. Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras automatically turn to the exact spot and start recording. The operator no longer has to stare at dozens of screens, hoping to catch the right moment. LiDAR data also serves as forensic evidence — allowing investigators to replay the incident as a full 3D reconstruction. They can see exactly how intruders moved, from entry to exit, with centimeter precision. Beyond thieves: Everyday situational awareness LiDAR isn’t just a tool against master criminals. It helps with daily operations, too — recognising when someone lingers suspiciously near a sensitive exhibit, when an unauthorised object enters the room or even when a visitor collapses. The system can trigger a silent alert, notify security staff or automatically redirect nearby cameras. History that never comes back 13 paintings worth more than half a billion dollars vanished from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Art theft is not a cinematic rarity — it’s a recurring tragedy. In 1990, 13 paintings worth more than half a billion dollars vanished from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. None have ever been recovered. Even Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in 1911 — though it was miraculously found two years later. That case, however, remains the exception. Thieves often fail to realise that cultural artefacts are not commodities. When they melt them down for gold or strip them for gems, they don’t just destroy value — they erase history. Spatial understanding is the future of security No security system is flawless. But while cameras merely watch, LiDAR understands space. From a single compact device, it monitors the 3D environment in real time, detects anomalies and reacts immediately. Modern security is no longer about higher fences or better cameras. It’s about spatial understanding — knowing what is happening in the room right now. And that’s something even Tom Cruise wouldn’t be able to slip through.