Summary Montgomery County's aerial surveillance program is critical to the county's transportation management program. The airborne video system greatly enhances the aerial surveillance program. The airborne video system provides ground personnel, including decision makers, the ability to make educated decisions on what actions should be taken because they see the total impact of an incident or event on the transportation system. The video images can be shared with other agencies and the media. Montgomery County has just started testing the airborne and ground based system.
Initial findings indicate the system can be enhanced by installing a gyrostabilized camera.
Low light capabilities could be added for night time operation. Fixed remote receiver sites would improve reception in those areas with interfering signals. Montgomery County plans to complete its evaluation of the airborne system during the first quarter of 1994 with results forwarded to the Federal Highway Administration soon after. Montgomery County hopes to work with the State of Maryland and the Federal Highway Administration to further enhance the aerial video project.