TSA Using 360-Degree Camera To Combat Terror Threats

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—The Transportation Security Administration is now using a 360-degree camera in a new effort to combat terrorism.

The new tool is called I-VIEW and George Solis gives us a closer look.

THE SCENARIO: An active shooter at an airport. With a body count rising, time is of the essence.

The answers play out on a laptop at BWI airport.

WJZ got a first look at I-VIEW now at TSA's disposal that offers an ultimate tactical advantage should the worst occur here or any other mass transit systems in the country.

"It's to prevent it's great for training," said Captain Jim Bamberger with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "It's a tool to allow first responders to come into an airport before they've actually been there and see where the walls are going to be, see where the entrances are going to be," said Captain Jim Bamberger with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

I-VIEW works like Google Maps street view feature in way more strategic detail.

"I  can identify things like where the check points are and where the camera's are," said Captain Bamberger.

HOW IT WORKS:

The team takes three pictures of each location through a fish eye lens. Then they stitch it all together to create a 360 degree view.

It's technology the TSA says could have made a huge difference in the Paris and Brussels terror attacks.

"It would allow people who aren't familiar with the scene to have an instant familiarity before they arrive," Bamberger says.

BWI maps joins a long list of locations accessible only to emergency responders.

"It's another tool that TSA has to help protect the traveling public," said Bamberger.

The group already has the D.C. metro system on file. They say as technology gets better so will the maps.