Outdoor counting system: an overview of new technologies in 2026
- May 20
- 3 min read
Counting people outdoors has become a necessity for many sectors, whether to monitor attendance in open natural spaces (parks, forests, mountain resorts, beaches, etc.), pedestrian zones, or outdoor events.
In 2026, technology is evolving rapidly, offering increasingly precise and adaptable solutions. In this article, we provide an overview of the main outdoor counting systems, particularly thermal and autonomous counting technologies.
Why Choose an Outdoor Counting System?
Outdoor counting systems allow for the collection of precise data on pedestrian or vehicle flows in open environments.
This data is essential for:
Optimizing resources and visitor management by anticipating peak attendance with better flow analysis.
Ensuring real-time security by monitoring capacity limits.
Measuring the attractiveness of specific locations to guide investment decisions.
Protecting fragile areas by regulating the number of visitors at any given time.
With autonomous counting solutions, it is now possible to obtain this information without complex infrastructure, even in remote locations without electricity.
This article presents the main innovations in outdoor counting, including autonomous AI-powered solar counters, underground loops, thermal sensors, tubes, and lidar-type radars.
Key Outdoor Counting Technologies in 2026
Autonomous AI-Powered Solar Counter
Solar-powered autonomous counters are ideal for outdoor installations, especially in remote areas without electricity access.
Advantages:
Powered by solar panels, reducing energy costs.
Easy to deploy and maintain.
Cloud-based data transmission every 15 minutes.
Underground Loop
Underground loops detect movements using magnetic sensors placed beneath the surface.
Advantages:
Discreet: Invisible on the surface, seamlessly blending into the environment.
Reliable: Can differentiate between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
Durable: Suitable for high-traffic areas such as roads and pathways.
Underground loops are widely used for counting bicycles on cycling lanes.
Thermal Counter
Thermal counters detect individuals based on body heat.
Advantages:
Works independently of lighting conditions, including nighttime and bad weather.
Fully autonomous (manual or GSM network data transmission) with battery operation.
Can differentiate between pedestrian and bicycle flows.
These counters are often used on hiking trails for flow studies.
Tube Counter
Tube counters use a simple yet effective technology to detect movement, often applied to bicycles and pedestrians.
Advantages:
Quick and cost-effective installation: Ideal for temporary measurements.
Proven reliability: Suitable for basic counting needs.
Portable: Can be easily relocated.
This solution is perfect for short-term or seasonal measurement campaigns.
Lidar Radar
Lidar radars use light-based detection technology to create 3D models of pedestrian or vehicle flows.
Advantages:
No image capture (operates without light).
Capable of functioning in complex environments with multiple overlapping flows.
How to Choose the Right Technology?
Each technology has its own strengths. Here are some key criteria to guide your choice:
Environment: Availability of a 3G/4G or GSM network, access to electricity, area to be measured, regulatory constraints (such as DREAL requirements), etc.
Budget: Some technologies, like lidar, require a significant investment.
Accuracy requirements: For a rough estimate, a tube counter may be sufficient, whereas more advanced systems are needed for detailed analysis.
Differentiated counting: If you need data on vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians separately.
Real-time data transmission: Essential for security applications but not always necessary for flow studies.
Affluences offers a range of innovative solutions tailored to the needs of municipalities, natural spaces, tourist sites, and events, ensuring the best fit for your specific requirements.
Contact us to find the ideal solution for your needs
FAQ - Outdoor counting system
What is the best counting system for areas without electricity?
For isolated areas such as nature parks or hiking trails, autonomous AI solar-powered counters and battery-operated thermal counters are the most suitable solutions. Completely autonomous, they ensure regular data transmission via GSM or 3G/4G networks without requiring a connection to the electrical grid.
Do outdoor counting systems comply with the GDPR?
Yes. Flow counting technologies (such as LiDAR radars, underground loops, or thermal counters) do not capture biometric data or identifiable images of people. They measure masses, body heat, or 3D volumes. The collected data is strictly quantitative and guarantees anonymity, in full compliance with the GDPR.
How can bicycle and pedestrian flows be differentiated outdoors?
To achieve precise differentiated counting, two technologies stand out in 2025. The underground loop, paired with magnetic sensors, is the standard for bike lanes. For more complex shared paths, the thermal counter or LiDAR radar can effectively distinguish a pedestrian from a cyclist by analyzing the thermal signature or moving 3D model.
What budget should be planned for an outdoor counting system?
The cost varies greatly depending on the technology and the expected precision. A tube counter offers an economical solution for occasional studies. Conversely, cutting-edge technologies like LiDAR require a larger initial investment, justified by unparalleled precision in dense environments. Providers like Affluences offer custom pricing, often scaled, which includes the data analysis portal (SaaS).
