Crowd
Counter

Below is an overview of all counting methods discussed in the Crowd Counter and which, based on our research, are considered suitable counting methods for events.

Obviously, not every counting method can be recommended for every event. For help in choosing recommended methods tailored to a specific event, go to the ‘Details’ page and enter the details of the event.

Click on the -symbol next to a counting method for detailed information on the implementation of that method, its advantages and disadvantages, its price calculation and some potential suppliers. To save the overview as a single document, click on the 'Download entire overview' button at the bottom of the overview.

Counting methods

• Click counting

  Visitors are counted manually with the help of click counters. These are small devices that are depressed or clicked repeatedly.

• Zone-based counting

  This is a count based on subdivision of the event site into zones. By means of aerial photography or observation, samples are then taken in certain zones. Finally, the number of people in these zones is counted and multiplied by the number of zones.

• ZIP code counting

  This method requires a visitor survey, carried out during the event, and a resident survey after the event. By linking both data sets, the number of visitors can be calculated.

• Giveaway counting

  The number of visitors is counted by handing out a gift (e.g. wristband or gadget) to each visitor and later subtracting the gifts not given away from the original, total number of gifts.

• Gate counting

  Gates or turnstiles used for access control or to measure visitor flow can also be used to count visitors.

• Camera counting

  Cameras placed above entrances count every visitor that enters.

• Radio frequentcy counting

  Sensors transmit radio frequency signals to each other, to help count the number of people on the event site. The persons present within the counted area(s) cause attenuation of the signals, on the basis of which visitors can be counted.

• Cellular data counting

  Phone masts of telecom providers can pick up and count signals from visitors' (and other) smartphones.

• Wi-Fi counting

  Wi-Fi sensors installed at strategic places on the event site can pick up Wi-Fi signals from visitors' smartphones, enabling visitors to be counted.