Understanding the groundbreaking approach
Edmonton is exploring how three-dimensional mapping can enhance safety in its light rail system. By partnering with Esri Canada and leveraging a federal grant of 1.3 million dollars, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is piloting technology that creates precise, 3D views of underground LRT stations. The goal is not only to track officers and pedestrians in real time but also to identify potential risk zones and streamline emergency responses.
What 3D mapping brings to underground transit
Three-dimensional mapping provides a layered, spatial understanding of complex environments. In underground stations, it can synchronise data from cameras, sensors, and radio communications to form a unified picture of activity. For officers on patrol, a 3D map can indicate where a person might be hiding, where crowd density is peaking, or where a disrupted line of sight could hamper response times. For pedestrians, the technology supports safer movement, clearer wayfinding, and quicker access to exits during incidents.
Real-time situational awareness
Real-time tracking is at the core of the pilot. By linking EPS dispatch signals with the 3D model, operators can visualize the location of responding officers against current crowd movement. This helps avoid redundant routing, reduces response delays, and ensures that personnel aren’t placed in high-risk corridors unnecessarily.
Enhanced crowd management and evacuation planning
Underground spaces pose unique challenges: echoing corridors, variable lighting, and restricted egress. A 3D map helps transit teams model crowd flow patterns, estimate time-to-evacuation, and identify chokepoints before an incident happens. In practice, this means clearer signage, more efficient barriers during peak hours, and faster, safer evacuations if an alarm is triggered.
Security, privacy, and community considerations
As Edmonton pilots this technology, city officials stress that safety improvements must balance privacy and civil liberties. The system emphasizes data minimisation, anonymised analytics, and strict access controls. Public engagement is part of the rollout, with the aim of building public trust through transparency about what data is collected and how it is used.
Why Esri Canada and federal support matter
Esri Canada’s geographic information system (GIS) expertise enables the creation of precise 3D models that reflect the actual underground topology. The federal grant provides critical funding to scale pilots, validate performance, and explore integration with other safety technologies such as intelligent video analytics and wearable devices for officers. If successful, the approach could serve as a blueprint for other cities with dense, subterranean transit networks.
What success looks like
Early indicators of success include shorter incident response times, improved officer safety, and a measurable reduction in delays caused by unclear wayfinding. Transit users should notice more predictable movement during emergencies and better guidance to exits. The project’s long-term aim is to fold 3D mapping into routine safety drills and ongoing station maintenance planning, ensuring the data stays current with changing station layouts and construction projects.
Looking ahead
The Edmonton pilot represents a broader trend in public safety: using advanced geospatial tools to understand and manage complex urban environments. If the 3D mapping approach proves effective, other rapid transit systems may adopt similar models, adapting them to their unique station designs and security needs. For Edmonton, this project could mark a meaningful step toward safer, smarter, and more resilient LRT operations for residents and visitors alike.
