High-tech on a mountain: Grosser Arber relies on IP cameras for security and views
The Grosser Arber is a modern family ski resort and summer leisure area in the Bavarian Forest. To enhance safety across its extensive area, the mountain railroads and facilities have been equipped with Axis network cameras and speakers. The system not only secure the lifts, ski slopes, and technical areas but also provide visitors with real-time images of key vantage points online
A popular family ski area in the Bavarian Forest
Grosser Arber is one of the largest family ski areas in the Bavarian Forest. In summer, the area continues to impress visitors with a wide range of activities. The Arber Bergbahn, a company with a long-standing tradition, operates the cable cars, lifts, conveyor belts, and other facilities. To enhance visitor safety, improve the energy efficiency of snowmaking, monitor and protect operations, and oversee lift routes in real time, Arber Bergbahn decided to upgrade its video security system. The modernization includes enhanced surveillance across indoor and outdoor areas, as well as in technical operating rooms.
Secure and efficient parking lots
As a first step, network cameras were installed in the parking lots to monitor traffic and enable license plate recognition for vehicles entering and exiting. The installation was deemed crucial and necessary due to previous incidents, including anonymous damage to parked vehicles, harm to the parking facilities, and misuse of the space for drift maneuvers.
We now have 75 cameras strategically deployed indoors and outdoors, giving us a full view of what is happening in our area both from the operations manager's office and from a smartphone.
Cameras provide an exact overview
The solution is based on high-resolution network cameras and speakers, with Arber Bergbahn utilizing AXIS Camera Station for video management. This setup allows for efficient and easy management of the cameras, adjustment of settings, and review of recordings. Whether day or night, it provides a clear overview of key areas, including lifts, parking lots, queuing zones, and catering facilities. Additionally, the network solution ensures security for technically and operationally critical areas.
A great collaboration
Arber Bergbahn was advised on this project by com plus iT GmbH from Zwiesel. Axis was chosen for their leadership in network camera innovation. Working with com plus iT GmbH, a total of 75 network cameras were installed across the extensive area, alongside the complete network infrastructure, including approximately 25 kilometers of fiber optic cable and radio relay links. Additionally, Axis network speakers were integrated into the system to enhance the solution.
Benefits immediately visible
The installation and commissioning of the indoor and outdoor network cameras proceeded seamlessly. Arber Bergbahn collaborated closely with com plus iT to ensure optimal camera placement and configuration, maximizing security across the expansive site. With a swift and straightforward setup, the cable cars immediately began benefiting from the enhanced video security system
Thanks to AXIS Camera Station, the system remains highly flexible and can be easily expanded with additional products at any time.
A big plus point was that the end-to-end solutions from Axis are individually customizable. This enabled us to develop and install a tailor-made application to suit the needs of the Arber Bergbahn.
Remote monitoring of hard-to-reach locations
During winter, accessing certain restaurants, ski rental facilities, and technical buildings can be challenging. To ensure safety and efficiency, each building is equipped with alarm systems, fire alarm control panels, and building management systems that trigger alerts in the event of a malfunction. The interior and technical areas are monitored by AXIS P14-series and AXIS M31-series cameras.
Thanks to their HDTV resolution, the cameras are ideal in areas with challenging weather conditions. In low light conditions, such as rain or snow, Axis OptimizedIR automatically adjusts the exposure of AXIS P14 Series cameras and ensures high-quality video with low image noise.
The advantages of the network cameras were immediately apparent to us. Thanks to the high-performance network and the low latency times in the live transmission, we always have an overview of the entire area.
Network cameras suitable for difficult lightning
The AXIS M31 Dome Camera series minimizes light reflections with its flat design and excels in challenging lighting conditions, thanks to Forensic WDR, Lightfinder and IR illumination.
If, for example, a monitoring system such as a fire alarm system or the water supply control technology sends an alarm to an employee's smartphone, they can immediately get a remote picture of what has happened and make an initial assessment. The option of activating the light remotely in the affected area also helps.
Clear announcements
Axis network speakers were also retrofitted for various application scenarios. One speaker, for example, is installed in a hotel that remains closed during the winter. Using AXIS Object Analytics, the network camera can detect whether a person is gaining unauthorized access, for example, and start an announcement to attract attention via the network speaker.
The second speaker is located at a parking lot a little further away, which was often used by drivers for illegal drifting due to its remoteness. There is also a warning announcement here.
Simple system extensions thanks to AXIS Camera Station
At Arber Bergbahn, the system runs on a virtual server in the in-house data center and can be expanded at any time in the future.
All elements of the system are linked and managed via AXIS VMS. Various surveillance monitors in the operators cabins on the mountain and in the central operations manager's office show the cameras from the respective ropeway installation in real time. The powerful ACS also has an intuitive user interface that allows you to react to incidents in real time.
A smarter and safer ski resort
com plus iT GmbH designed and implemented the camera and network infrastructure and continues to oversee the system's support and maintenance. The Arber Bergbahn on the Grosser Arber benefits from this innovative safety solution, enhancing security on lifts and ski slopes while helping to prevent accidents.
By monitoring snow conditions in real time, the system also enables more efficient snowmaking, optimizing resource use. Additionally, the cameras provide continuous surveillance of technical areas and infrastructure, ensuring their security and proper operation. To further enhance the visitor experience, live images from key viewpoints are made available online.
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