Case Study: GoTAK's Comprehensive Situational Awareness Deployment at Balélec Festival 2025
Event Overview
On May 9, 2025, the Balélec Festival at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland, welcomed over 16,000 attendees. As Europe's largest one-night student festival, ensuring the safety and coordination of security and medical teams was paramount.
Challenge
Managing a high-density, dynamic environment required real-time coordination among security personnel, medical teams, and event organizers. The goal was to achieve comprehensive situational awareness to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Solution
GoTAK, in collaboration with Secure Networks, deployed an integrated situational awareness system:
GoTAK's Deployment:
- Introduced the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) on End User Devices (EUDs) for security officers, providing real-time geolocation and communication.
- Deployed standalone GoTAK Trackers for medical teams and other personnel, enabling precise tracking without the need for additional hardware.
- Utilized TAKOS, GoTAK's orchestration system, to integrate all devices and data streams into a unified operational picture.
Secure Networks' Contribution:
- Implemented persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) monitoring from rooftop positions.
- Integrated drone video feeds and illegal access detection systems into the TAKOS platform.
Key Technologies
GoTAK Trackers:
- Compact GPS TAK trackers designed to operate globally and integrate directly with TAK servers.
- Provided reliable location tracking with ultra-low power consumption, making them ideal for asset tracking and field operations.
- Offered robust connectivity and a slim design, suitable for various field scenarios.
TAKOS-CIV Server:
- A monthly, ready-to-deploy TAK Server solution combining TAK server functionalities with integrated UAS, voice, and video services.
- Scalable to any number of devices and built for quick field deployment.
- Ensured secure, encrypted connectivity across all channels, including voice and video.
Outcome
The integration of these technologies provided a unified "single pane of glass" view for the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) and field personnel:
- Enhanced Visibility: Real-time tracking of all personnel, enabling swift response to incidents.
- Comprehensive Monitoring: Live drone feeds and surveillance data allowed for proactive threat detection.
- Efficient Coordination: Seamless communication between teams ensured timely medical assistance and crowd management.
Conclusion
The successful deployment at Balélec Festival 2025 demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating advanced situational awareness tools in large-scale events. GoTAK and Secure Networks showcased how technology can enhance safety, coordination, and operational efficiency, setting a precedent for future event security strategies.
For more information on GoTAK's solutions, visit getgotak.com.