PSV celebration: Innovative crowd measurement by BUas and LCB

05/23/2024 - 16:05

On Monday, 6 May, PSV was celebrated as the national champion of 2024 in the centre of Eindhoven. The Eindhoven municipality organised the event and enlisted the help of Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) and Logistics Community Brabant (LCB) to monitor the crowd live. This collaboration built on experiences from the previous year when Feyenoord was honoured, where crowd flows were studied both manually and digitally.

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Crowd measurement at Feyenoord

During Feyenoord's celebration last year, there was extreme crowding, with people arriving at the barriers as early as 7:00 am, although the ceremony didn't start until noon. It was crucial to accurately count how many people entered. BUas and LCB provided an innovative solution by combining digital systems with manual counting by students. This combination produced reliable data, enabling authorities to make decisions such as closing off overcrowded areas.

PSV celebration: Expansion and innovation

At the PSV celebration, this successful model was further expanded. The celebration began at 2:00 pm at Stadhuisplein in Eindhoven, where partygoers enjoyed an extensive programme. On behalf of the Eindhoven municipality and in collaboration with the events organisation Eindhoven 24/7 and Eindhoven Police, BUas and LCB extended their research components to four squares: Stadhuisplein, the Markt, Catherinaplein, and 18 Septemberplein.

Stadhuisplein: Vision technology

Density: Vision technology monitored three sections of the square. Section one accommodated four people per square metre, section two (slightly further from the stage) accommodated three people per square metre, and section three accommodated two people per square metre.
Flow rate and sentiment: These variables were analysed in real-time in the control post, allowing for swift action if necessary.

The Markt: Radio waves

Relative crowd density: Radio waves mapped the crowd density at the Markt. Small devices sent out signals that measured relative crowd density, essential for the safety and organisation of the event.

Catherinaplein and 18 Septemberplein: Manual measurements

Student observations: Twenty students were deployed to manually estimate the density per square metre and the crowd dynamics. They also noted behavioural changes, such as the impact of screens on crowd behaviour.

Collaboration and innovation

The municipality of Eindhoven was pleased with the insights gained. The innovative approach provided a clear picture of the crowd, creating a controlled environment. The combination of digital and manual measurements resulted in reliable data. The preliminary evaluation is positive, and this data can help better manage future championship celebrations.

This initiative stemmed from the collaboration between BUas and LCB, involving a mix of leisure and logistics students.

LCB stands for the power of innovation through collaboration between businesses, education, government, and research. This PSV celebration once again demonstrated how important and effective these innovative collaborations can be for successfully managing large-scale events.