Simulation-Based Optimization of Surveillance Camera Types, Number, and Placement in Buildings Using BIM

Abstract

Many organizations claimed that the installation and maintenance of surveillance cameras in buildings is costly. In addition, once the surveillance cameras are placed, it is too costly to change their positions. The optimal placement of cameras aims to maximize the camera coverage and minimize the cost. This paper proposes a novel method using building information modeling (BIM), which provides a new opportunity to better optimize the number and locations of cameras by exploiting the rich information available in the model. Building information modeling is used to define the input of the optimization process and to visualize the results. The proposed method includes the following steps: (1) specifying the feasible locations; (2) generating solutions; (3) coverage simulation process; (4) evaluating and optimizing the results; and (5) visualizing the optimum results. A case study is done to validate the applicability of the proposed method by optimizing the placement of a single camera and multiple cameras in a BIM model.