Faced with the rise of challenges related to urban development, active mobility, active mobility, energy sobriety or even the preservation of sensitive sites, the measurement of attendance is becoming an essential tool for public and private managers. But what technologies are available today? What do you need to know to use them well? And what are the main trends to watch out for?
This overview aims to guide you in choosing a solution adapted to your needs.
1. A Look at Today’s Counting Technologies
| Technology |
Advantages |
Limitations |
Use Cases |
| AI-equipped cameras |
High precision, multiple detection, possible behavioral analysis |
Intrusive (privacy), GDPR issues, costly, requires power and connectivity |
Dense urban areas, train stations, shopping malls |
| Thermal sensors |
Anonymous, work at night, discreet installation |
Less accurate in case of crowding or high density |
Parks, trails, protected natural areas |
| Magnetic loops / pressure sensors |
Accurate for vehicles, robust |
Require construction work, invasive installation |
Roads, parking lots, bike lanes |
| Passive infrared sensors |
Simple, inexpensive, autonomous |
Do not distinguish crossing flows or groups well |
Trails, rural paths, park entrances |
| LIDAR |
Very high precision, bidirectional flow analysis |
Expensive, sensitive to weather conditions |
High-traffic sites, multi-user counting |
| Wireless connected sensors (e.g., Verdilo) |
Autonomous, discreet, no construction, anonymous, bidirectional, easy to deploy |
Less accurate with very dense or very fast flows |
Greenways, trails, city centers, temporary events |
| Mechanical counters / human observers |
Easy to deploy occasionally |
Low reliability, high human cost, no continuous monitoring |
Field surveys, one-time events, isolated areas |
2. Best practices for making good use of count data
Choosing the right sensor for the right use
Each technology has its own field of expression. For example:
- For a one-off event: choose an autonomous sensor that is quick to install.
- For a detailed analysis of flows on a structuring site: consider a coupling between LIDAR or AI camera + long-term passive counting.
- For natural trails or bike paths: a discreet, autonomous and non-intrusive sensor is often more suitable (like Verdilo).
Ensure a relevant positioning
A poorly positioned sensor (too close to an obstacle, placed on an unrepresentative path) can produce biased data. It is crucial to identify strategic crossing areas, to avoid overpayments (e.g. cross-flows), and to test on site if necessary.
Process data over the right period
Raw data is only valuable if it is put into context:
- By comparing several years (weather effect, events, etc.)
- By correlating data with other sources (ticketing, road traffic, origin-destination data, etc.)
- By integrating the concepts of maximum capacity or political objectives (e.g. decongestion, diversification of uses)
Raise awareness among teams and partners
Attendance data should not remain in an Excel file. They are used to:
- Adjust opening hours, signage, or services
- Justify grants
- Prioritize layouts
- Communicate transparently with residents
3. 2025 trends: towards more strategic counting
Smarter and less intrusive sensors
The latest generations of autonomous sensors (such as Verdilo) allow accurate and anonymous counting, without the need for a permanent connection or installation work. These solutions are particularly appealing to local authorities and managers of sensitive sites.
Increasing integration into planning policies
In 2025, attendance is no longer just a logistical indicator. It is a governance lever. It is used for:
- Revitalizing city centers (by measuring the effectiveness of the arrangements)
- Prioritizing cycling investments
- Limiting overuse of natural sites
- Control the gauges during major events
Regulations that encourage action
The European directive on sustainable urban mobility, national land sobriety policies, or even the transparency requirements of local authorities on the subsidies received... these are all signals that encourage measurement and evaluation through data.
A logic of services based on data
Contractors now expect real service around counting:
- Accessible dashboards
- Analysis support
- Alerts in case of threshold crossing
- Remote maintenance
It is on this ground that the future of the sector is being played out.
Are you considering a counting campaign, permanent equipment, or simply a test to explore your site? At Kiomda, we support local authorities, agencies, managers and developers in their projects, with simple, robust and proven solutions.
