Time-Lapse as an analysis technique

AERTEC

If you are familiar with photography or video, you surely will have heard about the time-lapse technique. It basically consists of putting together a sequence of many photographs taken at regular intervals over a specific period of time. When the sequence is viewed, we get the sensation of a speeded-up movie. Thus, a set of photographs taken over an entire day can be viewed in just a few minutes.

Time-lapse photography originally arose as a leisure element but are becoming yet another interesting element to analyse flows and processes.

Aside from the aesthetic curiosity this kind of technique may arouse, the truth of the matter is that in some cases it can offer a highly interesting method to analyse certain activities which evolve slowly. If we view any of the time-lapses mentioned below, which deal with the activity of various airports, the point they share in common is that that any of the actions which happen before the camera is converted from a simple snapshot into flows. This means that the object in itself loses importance and the way and rhythm at which it moves is highlighted.

Flows at airports are important. Each airport operation requires several dozen tasks which have to be performed at a precise moment and under the conditions foreseen. This is an important premise to optimise its management and, unavoidably, its safety.

The time-lapse technique allows us to analyse flows visually. Regardless of whether it deals with a sequence of take-offs and landings or the performance of handling operations, the speeded up movement of the actions allows us to assess whether protocols have been properly carried out and even discover some point which can be improved.

Though it is just an additional element to help in airport management, some airports have already established recording, sequencing and time-lapse analyses as a working element.

A series of time-lapses appears below. They will undoubtedly help you gain a better understanding of the possibilities this technique offers.