Experts have spent the past year building a sophisticated security system for Super Bowl XLIII, which takes place this Sunday in Tampa Bay, FL. The system will allow security personnel at this year’s event to remotely track all activities on and off the field. It will also be used to plan events and report incidents.

The system uses a software program called E-SPONDER, which is built into Microsoft Surface, a tabletop, touch-screen display. The device shows a Microsoft Virtual Earth map of the event area and it’s multi-touch, multi-user interface will let security personnel zoom in and display a 3-D image of the city, a street or even a building with a quick hand motion. The system also has built in communications so that controllers can stay in contact with personnel on the ground.

From Microsoft’s release:

Additionally, Twisted Pair Solutions, Inc will provide secure, real-time group communications and interoperability for two-way radio systems and other devices using its WAVE software technology. Fully integrated with E-SPONDER and leveraging Microsoft’s Office Communications Server platform, all law enforcement personnel can quickly see who is available and communicate with them using Instant Messaging, PC to PC Voice, video conferencing and PC-to radio/walkie-talkie methods. This unmatched capability, being used largely in the defense and first responder fields, allows for any user of E-SPONDER to immediately communicate with resources not only in the command center, but directly in the field.

The video below shows Tampa Incident Commander Major Bennett explaining the technology.