Prepare a CCTV site survey around the views you need

Prepare a CCTV survey by defining what each view needs to show. Camera quantity follows the purpose, site conditions and evidence requirement; it should not be the first and only decision.

Write the purpose for each priority area

An entrance may need a useful view of arriving people, while a yard may need broader activity coverage. A camera that provides a wide overview may not show a small detail at a distance. Describe the intended task rather than simply requesting “high resolution”.

Keep the purpose proportionate to the setting. Identify private or neighbouring areas that should not be unnecessarily recorded and who is responsible for reviewing the privacy implications. The survey should connect technical design to the organisation’s actual use.

Bring a site question list

• Priority entrances, counters, yards or other areas.
• Relevant operating hours and lighting changes.
• Obstructions, weather exposure and likely mounting constraints.
• Existing cameras, recorders, cabling and network equipment.
• Who needs live viewing, playback and export access.
• The recording and continuity requirement to be assessed.

Use a view-by-view record

Field	What to agree
Purpose	The activity or detail the view is intended to support.
Position	Proposed location and scene boundaries.
Conditions	Relevant distance, lighting and obstruction assumptions.
Recording path	Camera, connection, recorder and power dependencies.
Acceptance	How the agreed view and playback will be checked.

A simple annotated plan can be useful, but share detailed security layouts through an agreed private route. The first enquiry can use a general site description.

Ask about the whole system

Storage, power and access can determine whether the desired footage is available later. Ask how the recorder capacity will be estimated and how the relevant devices behave during a power or connection interruption.

If equipment will be reused, confirm condition and compatibility through appropriate checks. Do not assume every old cable, camera and recorder can support the proposed upgrade. Any reuse and limitation should appear in the quotation.

Agree handover evidence before installation

• Each agreed view inspected under representative conditions.
• Named camera recording and playback demonstrated.
• Date, time and timezone reviewed.
• An authorised user shown how to find and export a clip.
• Equipment, access ownership and maintenance responsibility recorded.

The survey should produce a scope that can be quoted and accepted. It does not establish a universal camera count, guaranteed retention or staffed monitoring service. Those requirements need explicit design and agreement.