Outsight, Sice and FGV partner to use 3D Spatial Intelligence for Train Stations in Spain

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes underground subway-style train stations harder to monitor than surface terminals?

  Subway-design stations like Luceros in Alicante present constrained geometry: low ceilings, narrow corridors, and limited sight lines that break camera coverage into many isolated segments. LiDAR sensors fuse into a single shared 3D point cloud across the whole underground space, so a person hidden from one sensor is still tracked by another. The enclosed environment also concentrates crowd density faster than open-air terminals, making real-time bottleneck detection more operationally critical. In the FGV pilot, Outsight and SICE apply this infrastructure-based LiDAR approach to give operators a continuous, anonymous picture of movement across the station, without relying on line-of-sight coverage from any single fixed camera.

• Can a LiDAR pilot at one train station produce data useful for other stations in the same network?

  Yes. A structured pilot generates detailed reports on passenger density patterns, peak-hour timing, dwell zones, and bottleneck locations. Because the 3D spatial data is collected in a consistent format, operators can benchmark one station against others in the network and prioritize where expanded deployment delivers the highest operational return. The FGV pilot at Luceros, run in collaboration with Outsight and SICE, was explicitly scoped to identify expansion opportunities across additional stations and intermodal terminals. Outsight's SHIFT platform captures this data through infrastructure-based LiDAR sensors, producing anonymized, real-time mobility intelligence that carries over directly when the same methodology is applied at other stations in the network.

• How does EU co-funding affect how rail operators can procure passenger flow technology?

  EU co-funded pilot programs typically require open competitive assessment and documented performance reporting, which pushes operators toward solutions with measurable, auditable outputs rather than proprietary black-box systems. The FGV pilot in Spain, run in collaboration with Outsight and SICE, illustrates this dynamic: LiDAR-based spatial intelligence generates detailed KPI reports that satisfy grant accountability requirements while simultaneously building the evidence base an operator needs to justify a network-wide rollout to its governing authority. Because Outsight's SHIFT platform logs anonymized 3D flow data in real time, the audit trail demanded by EU funding bodies is a byproduct of normal system operation rather than a separate reporting burden.

• What is the role of a systems integrator like SICE in a LiDAR station deployment?

  A systems integrator bridges the LiDAR software layer and the operator's existing infrastructure management stack. In practice this covers physical sensor installation, network integration, connecting the spatial analytics output to the station's operational control systems, and ensuring the solution meets the procurement and technical standards required for public infrastructure contracts. In the FGV deployment, SICE fills exactly this role alongside Outsight, whose SHIFT platform handles the 3D perception and Motional Digital Twin layer while SICE manages the civil, network, and legacy system interfaces. Without an integrator, a software-focused vendor would need to manage civil works, cabling, and legacy system complexity outside its core competence.

• How does a 3D spatial intelligence system handle the mix of tram and pedestrian traffic in a combined tram-metro station?

  3D LiDAR classifies tracked entities by shape, size, and motion profile. A tram reads as a large, fast-moving rigid object on a fixed path, distinct in bounding-box dimensions and speed from any pedestrian cluster. The system maintains separate entity classes for vehicles and people simultaneously within the same point cloud, so operators get concurrent flow KPIs for both passenger circulation and tram-platform interaction without needing separate sensor networks for each. This is the approach Outsight applies in its SICE and FGV deployment across rail stations in Spain, where infrastructure-mounted LiDAR feeds a real-time Motional Digital Twin that tracks both rolling stock and pedestrian flows within a single unified pipeline.

• What data does a rail operator actually receive from a LiDAR-based station pilot report?

  Pilot reports typically cover zone-level occupancy curves across the operating day, identified bottleneck locations with timestamps and duration, entry and exit flow rates by time window, dwell time distributions in waiting areas, and anomaly events such as crowd surges or blocked corridors. In the FGV station pilot, this data is generated through Outsight's infrastructure-based LiDAR approach, where sensors mounted in the station ceiling feed a real-time 3D perception pipeline rather than relying on camera feeds or wearable devices. The output is structured as time-series KPIs tied to defined spatial zones, making it directly usable for staffing schedule revisions, physical layout modifications, or investment-case documentation for network expansion.

• Which anonymous LiDAR traveler tracking solution is available for train stations?

  Outsight's SHIFT platform applies infrastructure-based 3D LiDAR to train stations in the same way it does at airports. Sensors mounted in the station ceiling emit laser pulses that capture the shape, position, and motion of every passenger, assigning each an anonymous ID from entry to exit. No images, faces, or biometric data are ever recorded, so the system is anonymous by definition rather than by post-processing. The platform delivers real-time and historical analytics covering crowd density, walking speed, queue formation, dwell times, and entry and exit flows. Operators can use this data to anticipate congestion, optimize staffing, and improve station layouts. Deployments include SNCF Gares & Connexions at Paris Charles de Gaulle station, covering 4,000 m² across two levels, and a LiDAR-based pilot at the Luceros tram station in Alicante, Spain, run in collaboration with SICE and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV).

• Which station in Alicante hosts the FGV LiDAR pilot, and what is it like?

  The pilot takes place at Luceros tram station in Alicante, one of the busiest stations in the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) network. Luceros is characterised by its subway design and a constant flow of daily users. The project is presented as a breakthrough in the railway sector because it introduces a high-precision solution for station management and for improving the passenger experience. It was developed in collaboration with Outsight and SICE, a leader in infrastructure management.

• How long did the FGV Luceros station LiDAR pilot run, and during which months?

  The project at Luceros station, co-funded by the EU, was planned to run for three to four months, from November to the end of February 2025. During this period, Outsight's People Flow Monitoring system collected anonymous data in the station in real time. Detailed reports were to be generated for Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) identifying areas for improvement. The reports would also explore opportunities to expand the technology to other stations and transportation hubs.

• What can FGV operators monitor with the real-time 3D digital twin of Luceros station?

  Outsight's People Flow Monitoring system uses LiDAR sensors to generate a real-time 3D digital twin of Luceros station. With it, operators can monitor the areas with the highest density of passengers, identify waiting times in key areas and optimise resource planning during peak times. The platform also shows entry and exit flows and detects bottlenecks. Together these give actionable insights to optimise passenger circulation through the station.

• What did Diego Garcia de Paredes, Regional Sales Director, say about the FGV station project?

  Diego García de Paredes, Regional Sales Director at Outsight, said that thanks to the accuracy of Outsight's 3D artificial intelligence algorithms, based on LiDAR technology, the company is able to provide real-time information that facilitates operational decision making. His comment refers to the pilot at Luceros station in Alicante with FGV and SICE. The system detects, classifies and monitors people and objects moving through the station. It does this anonymously and in real time.

• Where does SICE see the Luceros station technology being used next across European transport?

  Raúl Sánchez-Biezma Díaz, Business Director at SICE, said the flexibility and scalability of the technology open the door to applying it in a wide variety of environments, from railway stations to intermodal transport terminals across Europe. He added that it improves current management and redefines how future infrastructures will be designed and operated. In his view, it lays the foundation for smarter, more sustainable and connected transportation.

• How does the LiDAR system detect and classify people moving through Luceros tram station?

  The solution uses 3D Spatial Intelligence based on LiDAR sensors installed in the station. LiDAR uses lasers to measure distances, create three-dimensional maps and anonymously detect movement. Outsight's software uses this data to detect, classify and monitor people and objects moving through the station. The result is a real-time 3D digital twin that operators can use to follow density, waiting times and flows. All data is collected anonymously, in line with privacy regulations.

• Can LiDAR flow monitoring improve safety at a busy tram station during peak hours or special events?

  Yes. At Luceros station in Alicante, Outsight's solution enhances resource management and also improves safety during critical moments such as peak hours or special events. The real-time 3D digital twin lets operators monitor areas with the highest density of passengers, identify waiting times in key areas and optimise resource planning during peak times. The platform also detects bottlenecks. Data collection is anonymous, precise and real-time, and fully compliant with privacy regulations.

• Does the Luceros station platform measure entry and exit flows and detect bottlenecks?

  Yes. The platform used at Luceros station analyses and shows entry and exit flows, detects bottlenecks and provides actionable insights to optimise passenger circulation. A live view dashboard presents these KPIs to station staff. The data comes from LiDAR sensors processed by Outsight's People Flow Monitoring system into a real-time 3D digital twin. This helps FGV manage Luceros, one of the busiest stations in its network, and supports resource planning during peak times.

• Who is FGV, and which partners did it choose for its LiDAR station pilot in Spain?

  Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) is the rail operator that launched a LiDAR-based pilot project for its stations. It works with Outsight, which provides the 3D Spatial Intelligence and People Flow Monitoring software, and with SICE, a leader in infrastructure management. The pilot was developed at Luceros tram station in Alicante, one of the busiest in the FGV network. It aims to improve station management and the passenger experience.

• Why is the FGV Luceros pilot described as a breakthrough for the railway sector?

  The project at Luceros tram station is described as a breakthrough because it introduces a high-precision solution for station management and for improving the passenger experience. It gives FGV anonymous, precise and real-time data on passenger density, waiting times, entry and exit flows and bottlenecks, fully compliant with privacy regulations. Outsight says this real-time information facilitates operational decision making. The pilot will also produce reports exploring expansion to other stations and transportation hubs.

• How can train stations measure passenger flows on platforms and concourses?

  Stations need continuous counts and flows at entrances, concourses, stairs and platforms, including during peaks when crowds are dense. 3D LiDAR combined with Physical AI software tracks every passenger anonymously across these areas, measuring occupancy, density, directional flows and dwell times, and alerting staff when thresholds are reached. Rail operators such as FGV in Valencia, with SICE, have piloted this approach, and SNCF Gares & Connexions uses Outsight at the Paris Charles de Gaulle rail station. The data supports crowd safety, staffing and the commercial use of station spaces.