Abstract: A playing surface monitoring system, comprising a playing surface; an image capture unit arranged for capturing images of at least part of the playing surface and persons or objects thereon; processing means for detecting said persons or objects and their relative location on the playing surface; means for discriminating between persons using the pitch and objects used for maintenance of the playing surface, and means for using the determined information for determining density of use and/or maintenance of the playing surface or one more parts thereof over a period of time.