Why Monitor Foot Traffic in Remote Outdoor Locations?
Understanding how many people visit parks, trails, and protected areas is essential for public administrators, tourism offices, and environmental agencies.
But many of these locations lack power and internet, making data collection a challenge.
Fortunately, SensMax offers three fully autonomous solutions for off-grid visitor monitoring:
- SensMax SE — simple unidirectional beam counter
- SensMax DE — advanced bidirectional counter with IN/OUT separation
- SensMax TAC-B 4G — radar-based counter with solar panel and real-time remote access
1. SensMax SE – Standalone Entry-Level People Counter
The SensMax SE sensor is a battery-powered infrared beam counter that detects every pass across its beam.
It’s ideal for basic monitoring of narrow forest paths or single-access entrances.
- Counting: Unidirectional (total pass count)
- Battery Life: Up to 2 years (2×AA)
- Storage: 2 years
- Connectivity: Offline – data collected manually via USB reader
- Installation: Wall, tree, or post-mounting at 1.2 m height
2. SensMax DE – Bidirectional Sensor for Entry/Exit Tracking
The SensMax DE builds on the SE by adding direction detection. It counts IN and OUT traffic separately for improved accuracy.
Perfect for park gates, visitor centers, or loop trails.
- Counting: Bidirectional (IN/OUT)
- Battery Life: ~6 months (2×AA or rechargeable)
- Storage: 25,000 events
- Connectivity: Offline – data collected manually via USB reader
- Installation: Post, tree or wall-mounted at ~1.5m height
3. SensMax TAC-B 4G Radar + SPS20 Solar Panel – Smart Real-Time Outdoor Monitoring
For clients needing real-time data in truly remote areas, the SensMax TAC-B 4G radar sensor with an optional SPS20 solar power kit is the ideal solution.
This combo provides high-accuracy radar-based people counting with autonomous power and LTE data transmission.
- Counting: 3D radarsensor
- Coverage: Up to 10×10 meters
- Power: SPS20 solar panel with battery backup (no grid power needed)
- Connectivity: Built-in 4G modem for real-time cloud reporting
- Mounting: Sidewall or pillar installation at 2.5–3.5 meters
- Bonus: Remote updates, diagnostics, and alerts via SensWeb platform
Comparison Table
| Feature | SensMax SE | SensMax DE | TAC-B 4G + SPS20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direction Detection | No | Yes | Yes |
| Power Source | 2×AA batteries | 2×AA or rechargeable | Solar panel + battery |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 years | ~12 months | Continuous (solar powered) |
| Connectivity | Offline, USB data reader | Offline, USB data reader | Online, real-time via 4G |
| Data Frequency | Manual download | Manual download | Live dashboard access |
| Best For | Trails, simple paths | Park entrances, gates | Real-time remote analytics |
Installation Tips
- Use sturdy poles, trees, or existing structures for mounting
- Ensure clear line-of-sight for SE/DE beam sensors
- Place radar overhead for wide-area coverage (TAC-B)
- Protect devices from vandalism with enclosures or mounting height
- For solar-powered radar: orient panel southward and ensure open sky exposure
Why It Matters
Whether you're reporting to EU tourism programs, applying for park funding, or simply want to optimize maintenance and safety, visitor data is key. And with SensMax solutions, you can collect it without electricity, Wi-Fi, or cables.
Data from these sensors is already used across national parks, nature reserves, beaches, hiking trails, and bike paths throughout Europe.
Conclusion
With SensMax SE, DE, and TAC-B 4G radar sensors, footfall tracking in off-grid outdoor areas is now easier and more reliable than ever.
Whether you prefer simple manual reporting or need real-time cloud dashboards, there's a solution ready for your park or project.
Need help designing a people counting system for your outdoor location?
Contact our experts for a free consultation.
