Automate PTZ camera movement using rules

Last modified: Thursday March 05, 2026.

You can configure a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera to move to a preset position as an automated action when a rule triggers. For example, if a camera detects a person crossing a line, a PTZ camera can move to focus on the same area. You can set a home position that a triggered PTZ camera returns to later.

Before you start

• Add at least one Avigilon PTZ camera to the required deployment and site.
• You must have device permissions to access the required cameras and control PTZ cameras. See Create and edit Roles and PTZ cameras and user permissions.
• If required, create a reusable preset position. See Default and preset PTZ camera positions.

Automate PTZ camera movement as a rule action

1. Create or edit an existing rule. See Alta Video rule types.
2. Select Actions.
3. Enable PTZ Cameras.
4. Select the required camera.
5. Set the position the camera moves to when the rule triggers:
   1. Select a preset from the dropdown.
   2. Alternatively, click + Add coordinates and manually set the destination position. If required, save and name the position as a preset.
   3. If a user deletes a preset, existing rules continue to use the preset's coordinates.
   4. Click Preview to check the destination view. The destination cannot be previewed if the camera is under manual user control or responding to another alarm action.
6. If required, you can add additional PTZ cameras and target positions.
7. Finish editing or creating the rule and choose Done.

Camera behavior

When a rule triggers, the selected cameras move at maximum speed to their preset positions.

• Cameras remain in position until the alarm ends.
• If a default position or tour is set, the camera moves or starts the tour after the alarm ends. See Default and preset PTZ camera positions
• Another user or rule can also move the camera. See PTZ control priority.