Plan camera placement with coverage maps, angles, and pixel density targets included. Adjust distance, lens, sensor, and resolution to meet security needs everywhere efficiently.
| Case | Sensor | Focal (mm) | Distance (m) | HFOV (deg) | Width at distance (m) | PPM at distance (px/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1/2.8" | 4 | 10 | ≈ 70.0 | ≈ 14.0 | ≈ 137 |
| B | 1/3" | 6 | 15 | ≈ 43.6 | ≈ 12.0 | ≈ 160 |
| C | 1" | 8 | 20 | ≈ 79.2 | ≈ 50.0 | ≈ 38 |
This calculator is based on standard field-of-view geometry for a rectilinear lens.
For ground projection, near and far distances use mount height and view rays based on tilt and VFOV.
CCTV coverage design in construction environments is more than picking a camera model and mounting it high. A reliable plan balances geometry, scene detail, lighting, and installation constraints so the captured image is usable for detection, recognition, and incident review. The first step is confirming the viewing objective: wide situational awareness for entrances and vehicle lanes, or higher detail for access control points, cash handling, or critical equipment. Once the objective is clear, pixel density becomes a practical target. If the same scene must support both awareness and identification, consider overlapping fields or mixing lenses rather than forcing one camera to do everything.
This calculator models a rectilinear lens and a rectangular sensor. From those, it computes horizontal and vertical field-of-view angles, then converts them into measurable coverage widths and heights at distance. When you enter a target distance, the tool reports the approximate scene width and the resulting pixels-per-meter value based on the camera’s horizontal resolution. If you instead choose ground projection, the tool derives near and far ground intersection distances using mount height, tilt angle, and vertical field-of-view. That view range is useful for walkway and perimeter checks, where the ground plane is the primary area of interest.
Use example cases to sanity-check your assumptions. For example, a 1/2.8-inch sensor with a 4 mm lens at 10 m produces a wide view suited to general monitoring, while a longer lens can maintain stronger pixel density at the same distance. In the sample table above, Case A yields roughly 14 m scene width and about 137 px/m at 10 m for a 1920 px-wide stream. Case B shows how a 6 mm lens narrows the view and improves pixel density at 15 m. Case C demonstrates that a large sensor with a moderate lens can create very wide coverage, but pixel density may fall below identification targets at longer range.
Treat the results as planning numbers. Real-world performance depends on lens distortion, digital zoom, stream encoding, camera angle relative to the target, and lighting conditions that affect shutter speed and motion blur. For best outcomes, validate with a quick site walk, confirm mounting positions, and document assumptions in drawings. Then export the computed values to share with stakeholders and installers for coordination.
Pixel density is the number of image pixels covering one meter of the scene width. Higher values usually improve the chance of recognizing faces, plates, or fine details at distance.
Not always. Wider lenses cover more area but reduce pixel density. If you need identification detail, a narrower lens, closer mounting, or multiple cameras with overlap is often a better approach.
“Inch-type” sensor naming is historical and not a direct measurement. Active area varies by model, so presets are approximate. Use the custom sensor option if you have exact dimensions.
Distance mode computes coverage at a specific distance to a target plane. Ground projection estimates near and far ground distances based on mount height, tilt angle, and vertical field of view.
Pick a target aligned with your task and risk level. Higher targets help identification, while lower targets are acceptable for general monitoring. Document the target in your security design notes.
Yes. Overlap reduces blind spots and supports handoff between cameras, but it increases total camera quantity. This tool uses overlap to reduce effective width when estimating corridor camera count.
They are suitable for quick coordination and records. For formal submittals, attach assumptions such as lens model, exact sensor size, mounting height, and any digital zoom or cropping used.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.