What Is the Best Technology for Counting People?

Cities working to improve safety, reduce congestion, and design more responsive infrastructure need trustworthy data, which starts with people counting. You can’t manage what you can’t measure.

Today’s cities rely on people counting to understand how pedestrians move through streets, crosswalks, and public spaces. That data improves decision-making—from traffic signal timing to sidewalk upgrades—and it’s powered by real-time, high-precision technology that’s replaced the slow, manual methods of the past.

Why Cities Are Investing in People Counting

Every step counts—literally. Pedestrian movement is one of the most underused sources of urban data, and planners are putting it to work. Knowing when and where people gather helps communities prevent overcrowding, improve walkability, and respond to safety issues before they become emergencies.

Modern pedestrian counting technology uses sensors, cameras, radar, and AI to capture this movement. These tools give city planners a clearer picture of how spaces are being used, not just how they were designed to be used. That kind of visibility replaces estimates with real numbers and supports better street design and safety decisions.

What Makes People Counting Valuable

Counting people isn't just about totals—it’s about what that information makes possible. Here’s how cities are putting pedestrian data to work across public safety, traffic flow, and long-term planning:

• Real-time crowd monitoring. Crowding can become dangerous during busy events, rush-hour intersections, or near major transit stops. Counting systems help track pedestrian density as it happens, so cities can react quickly to redirect people, adjust signage, or call in support if needed.
  
  
• Urban planning insights. Foot traffic patterns reveal a lot. Which areas get used the most? Where are people avoiding? Cities can use this data to prioritize sidewalk repairs, expand crosswalks, or improve lighting. It’s beneficial when evaluating long-term development plans or grant proposals.
  
  
• More responsive traffic signals. When pedestrian data feeds into adaptive traffic systems, signals can adjust based on who’s there, not just a preset timer. That means shorter waits when the sidewalk’s empty and longer crossing times when a crowd is building.
  
  
• Targeted safety improvements. Tracking pedestrian activity over time helps identify trouble zones, like intersections with frequent near-misses. From there, planners can test solutions like extended crossing times, curb extensions, or visibility upgrades. These changes can support Vision Zero goals by reducing accidents and saving lives.
  
  

A Closer Look at the Technology

People counting technology comes in a few different types. Each has its own strengths and trade-offs, depending on the environment and how the data will be used. For example: 

• Infrared beam counters. Basic but affordable, these systems detect when someone breaks a beam of light, usually at a doorway. They are best for simple in/out counts, and not so great in busy, multi-directional spaces.
  
  
• Thermal sensors. These sensors pick up body heat. They work well in low light and are less sensitive to visual clutter, but they tend to struggle with large crowds where heat signatures overlap.
  
  
• Video analytics. Combined with AI, they use cameras to detect and track people in real time. These systems can be highly accurate, but performance can drop when lighting conditions change or the space is too busy for clean visuals.
  
  
• Lidar and radar sensors. These sensors measure distance and movement using light or radio waves. These are strong options for outdoor spaces and intersections because they’re less affected by weather or poor lighting.
  
  
• 3D stereo vision systems. Using two camera lenses to track depth and motion, much like human eyes, they offer detailed tracking and work well in complex environments like train stations or large plazas.

Choosing the right people counting sensor depends on the location, traffic patterns, lighting, and how accurate the data needs to be. What works in a quiet library might fail in a crowded plaza or a busy four-way crosswalk.

Why Fusion Technology Stands Out

No single sensor can cover every angle in high-traffic or unpredictable environments. FusionSensor technology solves this by combining multiple sources—like video, radar, and light direction and ranging (lidar)—to cross-check data and deliver a much more reliable count.

If glare blinds the camera, radar fills in. If fog rolls in, thermal sensors still track movement. Fusion setups create a layered picture of what’s happening, which reduces blind spots and false readings.

They’re also adaptable. As conditions change, the system keeps working. That makes them an excellent fit for outdoor use, near roadways, or in public spaces with shifting weather, lighting, and crowds.

Turning Raw Data Into Real-World Impact

Once you’ve got the data, the real value comes from using it to improve how the city works. For example:

• Traffic control can adjust nearby signal timing in real time if pedestrian activity spikes outside a stadium on game nights.
  
  
• Busy neighborhood crosswalks during school hours might benefit from added signage or flashing lights to improve safety.
  
  
• Reduced foot traffic at a downtown transit stop could prompt a review of bus schedules, lighting, or nearby amenities.

This data helps make cities safer and better equipped to meet real-world needs, bridging the gap between infrastructure design and how people use the space.

How Omnisight Supports Modern Urban Planning

Omnisight’s FusionSensor offers a reliable and adaptable solution for communities looking to improve their pedestrian tracking systems. It combines AI, radar, and advanced computer vision into one platform built specifically for innovative city applications.

Unlike systems that rely on a single data stream, Omnisight’s sensor collects multiple input types, processes everything locally using edge computing—processing data locally instead of relying on cloud servers— and sends accurate results in real time. 

That means no delays, no need for external servers, and fewer gaps in coverage. It’s designed to handle all the noise and unpredictability of real-world pedestrian movement—whether a quiet crosswalk at 2 a.m. or a packed intersection during a festival.

Precision Where It Matters Most

City streets are constantly changing—hour by hour, block by block. The systems tracking movement should be just as fluid. Omnisight’s FusionSensor delivers accurate, multi-layered pedestrian data that helps cities respond faster, plan better, and confidently meet safety goals.

Contact us to explore how Omnisight’s tech fits into your city’s traffic management or Vision Zero strategy.