CCTV layout software?

[obqo]

Hi,

I have done some research and found some options for this including IVPM Camera Calculator, JVSG IP Video System Design Tool, and the various VideoCAD products like VideoCAD Lite. I am probably missing some others.

Background and what I am looking for:

• I was in the industry when analog cameras were a thing....
• I am currently a IP network guy providing core gear, firewall, Wi-Fi etc....
• In many projects, IP cameras are a solution I am being asked to provide or at least model.
• Common designs are likely less than 15 cameras - indoor and outdoor.
• I will have to hand draw rooms and areas most of the time for indoor locations.
• with above - even having a room on a page can work for me.
• I am really looking for something to turn out a quick layout that I can show a customer layout and set expectations as to what what the camera will see FOV, quality, etc...
• Model and design with the exact model

I do like the simplicity of the IVPM web app approach, but it does not seem to like manually drawn objects with scale.

Do you have a recommendation on what software I should make an investment in? I intend on checking out the demos when I get to that point. I am not looking for something that has a huge ramp up time or produces results to the inch. I want a quality result with ease of use - simple right

I am hoping someone can provide me a pointed recommendation so that I can be as efficient as possible getting this going.

Thank you for any/all help.

 

[tangent]

There is a free trial of JVSG. Vivotek, has a version of JVSG that only includes their cameras and is free: IP Video System Design Tool | Intuitively Design Surveillance Systems with 2D/3D Views

You can also manually do things in in various 2D and 3D CAD software or even Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. AutoDesk Revit can do some CCTV design, Axis has a Revit plugin.

CCTV Design Software - CCTVCAD is another option

I don't have much experience with expensive cctv design software. You may find more discussion at IPVM and it sounds like you'd benefit from a membership there.

Hanwha has some files you can use with Visio
Visio Design Tool — Security Cameras & Surveillance Solutions
Wisenet Network Design — Security Cameras & Surveillance Solutions

Most camera manufactures have something on their website that can be used to help design cctv. It will generally be either a re branded copy of something else or some templates / shape files you can use with other software.

 

[obqo]

@tangent

Thank you for your reply. I will take a look at those links.

I really like the idea of something vendor agnostic. I need to keep digging deeper into these.

I appreciate your input.

 

[vsmax]

• Common designs are likely less than 15 cameras - indoor and outdoor.

• with above - even having a room on a page can work for me.

• I am really looking for something to turn out a quick layout that I can show a customer layout and set expectations as to what what the camera will see FOV, quality, etc...

• Model and design with the exact model

IMO IP Video System Design Tool - Basic will be a good fit. The latest version 10 has more than 5800 cameras models in the built-in database.

 

[fenderman]

IMO IP Video System Design Tool - Basic will be a good fit. The latest version 10 has more than 5800 cameras models in the built-in database.

Is that an unbiased opinion or one based on your employment with the IPICA who makes the tool?

 

[vsmax]

Correct. I must mention I am very biased. I love our product. Please try all layout programs and choose what is best for you.

 

[whoslooking]

Autocad still wins over these options, professional integrators don't mess around with silly tools or branded icons.

 

[DsineR]

I am not looking for something that has a huge ramp up time or produces results to the inch. I want a quality result with ease of use - simple right

Then AutoCAD is not your friend, $$ & big learning curve. Something like Visio is a better option.

 

[michplu]

to do quick simulations for price offers I use CCTV Design Tool
you can choose google maps as a background