Abstract: A security alarm monitor is disclosed that uses a combination of three dimensional (3D) and two dimensional (2D) visualization to display the status of security devices and allow the operator to respond to alarms. The alarm monitor console includes 3D and 2D display areas, either in a split screen on a single monitor or on dual monitors. The 3D display area uses a photo-realistic representation of a facility and overlays iconic or 3D representations of the security devices showing their locations, coverage areas, and alarm status. The 2D display area shows a map, architectural drawing, image-based overhead view, or combination or the three for a facility and security device icons. The alarm representations in the 2D and 3D display areas are synchronized. The 3D display gives a dynamic view of the facility or compound. When an alarm occurs, the 3D display flies to preprogrammed view of the alarm location, issues a preprogrammed audio alert, and animates the alarm icon to indicate its status.