Turn device specs into field-ready distances fast. Compare detection, recognition, and identification needs quickly onsite. Size camera placement, lighting upgrades, and patrol routes confidently.
| Scenario | Rated Range (m) | Ambient (lux) | Weather Factor | Reflectivity (%) | Detail Factor | Margin (%) | Mount (m) | Effective Range (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical site entry camera | 120 | 0.2 | 1.00 | 18 | 0.60 | 10 | 6 | ~64 |
| Dusty yard with bright PPE | 150 | 5 | 0.70 | 35 | 0.60 | 15 | 8 | ~74 |
| Heavy fog, identification needed | 200 | 1 | 0.45 | 18 | 0.35 | 20 | 10 | ~25 |
This calculator estimates usable night range by adjusting the rated device range with real-world factors. It is intended for planning construction site surveillance and safety coverage.
Night work increases theft risk and safety incidents on construction projects. This calculator helps convert a device’s published range into a practical, field-ready distance. Use the effective range to decide camera spacing, gate coverage, and patrol checkpoints. When multiple zones overlap at the far edge, you reduce blind spots where intruders can hide behind materials or equipment.
Ambient light is entered in lux to represent starlight, moonlight, or yard lighting. Higher lux can improve usable distance, especially for low-light sensors. Target reflectivity represents how visible people and objects are to the system; dark clothing and asphalt behave closer to 10–18%, while reflective PPE and signage may exceed 30%. The reflectivity factor scales range using a square-root relationship.
Fog, rain, dust, and smoke scatter light and reduce contrast. The weather factor lets you model these losses consistently across site scenarios. For example, light haze may reduce performance by roughly 25%, while heavy fog can cut effective distance by more than half. If your site regularly experiences dust plumes from hauling, choose a reduced factor for conservative night coverage planning.
Range alone is not enough; a wide lens covers more area but reduces detail at distance. The calculator estimates far-edge width from the horizontal field of view and the ground range. Use the width value to compare narrow “long corridor” views against wider “yard overview” views. The area estimate is a simple planning rectangle that supports layout sketches and quick comparisons.
Apply a safety margin to account for installation tolerances, dirty lenses, and changing light conditions. A 10–20% reduction is typical for planning, while higher margins suit critical perimeters. After installation, validate with a walking test at measured distances and adjust factors to match observed performance. Document the final assumptions so future site changes can be evaluated quickly. Keep a log of lens cleaning schedules and any illumination upgrades.
It is the manufacturer’s maximum distance under ideal conditions. The calculator scales that value to reflect realistic light, weather, reflectivity, detail requirement, and safety margin on a job site.
Use Detect for basic presence alerts, Recognize for confirming a known worker, and Identify for distinguishing unknown people. Higher detail needs reduce practical range because more pixels per target are required.
Eighteen percent is a common mid-tone reference used in imaging. Using it as a baseline helps compare darker targets, like asphalt or black clothing, against brighter targets, like high-visibility PPE.
Height does not increase line-of-sight range, but it changes ground distance coverage. The tool converts the effective range into a ground distance using a right-triangle relationship with the mounting height.
Select the closest condition for typical night shifts. If fog, dust, or rain is frequent, choose a lower factor for conservative coverage planning and consider adding lighting, cleaning routines, or repositioning.
No. The area is a quick planning approximation based on far-edge width and ground range. Use it to compare setups, then confirm with a site walk and camera tests before final installation.
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.