GIS System aids in crowd control in Makkah

From khaleejtimes: Geographical Information System (GIS) is being used to control crowds in the holy city of Makkah and the holy sites. To aid the geo information systems are 1,500 television cameras that have been installed at all important locations, like the Jamarat Bridge, at the Grand Mosque, to monitor surging crowds and any possible untoward situation.

With the help of cameras placed on roads and other places in Makkah and the holy sites, particularly the Jamarat Bridge area, the Control and Command Centre maintains a round-the-clock vigil. The greatest advantage of the system is that the control room gets a clear idea every moment of the number of pilgrims moving toward the Jamarat from different directions. The cameras also spot the places where illegal pilgrims try to erect their makeshift camps.