|
Special Announcement from MapScenes
We have some special news for those that use MapScenes. MicroSurvey is pleased to announce a MapScenes User's Conference June 5 and 6, 2005 in Las Vegas. This conference will be held at the Palace Station prior to the ARC-CSI conference June 7-10.
This is a hands-on training seminar so bring your laptop. Visit mapscenes.com in December for complete registration information and conference details.
People interested in staying for the ARC-CSI Crash Test day can do so for a special rate. A special rate will also be offered if you want to stay for the entire ARC-CSI conference. More details coming soon.
We are also planning the next Instructor's Certification Class.
We will be in touch with our next newsletter in the New Year. I hope you all have a great holiday season. From all of us at MicroSurvey, peace and safety to you and yours.
In the first article in this series, we examined some basic principles in regards to using a common datum when collecting multiple mapping jobs, with the intent to place all the mapped points and linework into a single CAD drawing. In this article, we will examine the technical aspects of re-establishing a datum in certain situations which are commonly encountered in forensic mapping.
It should be noted that this series is intended to be informative rather than instructional, as there are additional considerations posed by these methods which must be addressed prior to actual field use. Additionally, while all true data collection platforms are capable of these procedures – including the SDR33 and modern total stations with onboard data collection – for the purpose of this series we will focus on the operation of Evidence Recorder Pro (EvR).
In the last article, we established that a datum in forensic mapping is composed of the location of the datum point (origin) and the orientation of the coordinate axes.
For our purposes, a datum can therefore be considered to simply be a discrete coordinate system. The XYZ coordinates (or Northing-Easting-Elevation) of any physical point is dependent upon the datum with respect to which it is measured. The process of inversing, or calculating the direction and distance between any two physical points based on their coordinates, will likewise yield results that are (in part) dependent upon the datum used in the determination of the coordinates. While the distance between those two points is irrespective of the datum (i.e., a constant), the direction is completely dependent upon the datum used. This fact is the key to re-establishing a datum with sufficient accuracy for our purposes.
... continued
I was called to assist the local police department with a crash investigation involving a mid-size plane was carrying two passengers.
The County Sheriff, the city Police Chief as well as my own command staff were on scene, with the FAA and NTSB en route. All these agencies were working together with the city police department to give whatever help was needed. Now that's teamwork!
This was a mid to large size scene covering several hundred feet in each direction and occurred on a very busy roadway within the city limits. The road was blocked and debris scattered all over the highway.
Walking the scene with the primary investigator from the P.D., we located and painted all the evidence points in orange paint. Prior to this I had never worked a plane crash. Most of the Forensic Mapping Specialists I know have never worked a plane crash scene either.
... continued
MAPPING ON FAITH
Since MapScenes original release we promised you data integrity. Just what did we mean by that?
We promised that the raw data you collected with your data collector and / or total station would be read into the MapScenes program without calculation errors. That values would be correct, that elevations would be computed correctly, and the scene would be orientated in the correct direction. Furthermore, the occupied reference point and back sight would be correct, and when you moved your total station, the traverse would be correct as well.
A word of caution when considering your next mapping program purchase. Not all programs are equal in this area, so do your due diligence -- ask how it reads in raw data and validates the map; are the reference points correct; and are the traverses still correct after a total station is moved.
Validating your map is a necessary part of every reconstruct ion -- fortunately it's easy to do in MapScenes Pro. The following article discusses Raw Data and links you to further information on map validation.
Susan Bracchi - MapScenes Manager
RAW DATA – WHAT IS IT AND WHY DO I CARE?
By Doug Barlet & Steve McKinzie Introduction
Raw data is measured by the total station and recorded by the data collector. Once the raw data (example of raw data: 1040 295°32'21" 93°07'28" 217.63 ZFL3: Where 1040 is Point # followed by Horz. Angle, Vert. Angle, Slope Dist, and Code)is recorded it is then sent to the computer and typically processed by some type of mapping or computer-assisted drafting (CAD) software or a combination of the two(example of processed information 1040 -196.074 -93.687 -6.512 ZFL3 XYZ : Where 1040 is Pt #, Northing, Easting, Elevation, Code, and XYZ is coding method.). From this, a forensic map of the collision or crime scene is generated and used in collision and crime scene reconstructions. These forensic maps are often used in criminal and civil court proceedings to assist judges and juries in understanding the events and circumstances involved in a particular situation.
To better understand this process we must first understand how the raw data is generated, and what happens to that raw data during this process of taking it from the total station to the finished map. Once we understand what the raw data is and why it is important, we then must be able to validate the processes that the raw data has gone through. Without validating the map, how can we know or testify in court that our computer generated map is a fair and accurate representation of what we observed at the scene? If we cannot accomplish this task our map and scene analysis may not be allowed in the court testimony. At that point there may be no case and thus why we should care about this raw data. ... continued
2004 Conferences - Another Successful Year
We have had another great year attending numerous conferences. From Biloxi to Illinois to California, MapScenes was there. Visit mapscenes.com in the near future for our 2005 schedule.
Click on thumbs for larger images and movies. Conference images courtesy of CSI.
July 2004 - Combined conference with South Carolina Association of Reconstruction Specialists, South Eastern Association of Reconstructions Specialists, and the International Association of Accident Reconstructionists, Biloxi MS
Crash test were performed by Rusty Haight and Brad Muir of the Collision Safety Institute. All scene mapping was collected and diagrammed with Evidence Recorder and MapScenes Pro. Thanks to Jon Northrup for his support and assistance. Special thanks to Louis Moran and comrades from the Biloxi Police Department. Your hospitality was outstanding!
A few of the presentations were by Brad Muir on CAD Software in Reconstruction, Rusty Haight on Crash Data, Jeff Muttart on Perception Reaction and Greg Russell on Excel Spreadsheets. True to form, the advancements made each day in this industry are being shared with as many people as possible.
It was a great opportunity to meet with our MapScenes customers of the south. We are looking forward to meeting you all again in South Carolina next year. |
|
| |
|
September 2004 - 18th Annual Illinois Association of Technical Accident Investigators Conference,
Peoria IL
The conference topic was Rollovers and SUV Crashes. Crash testing was performed by Rusty Haight and Brad Muir of the Collision Safety Institute. All scene mapping and diagram were completed with Evidence Recorder and MapScenes Pro. Special thanks to Jon Northrup from Rochester PD in NY for all your help and support . Special thanks also to Jim Peterson for his hard work and invaluable trailer full of tools. I should have had pictures of that!
Despite sunburn and long hours the crash tests were informative. Along with attempting rollovers, we got in a car-to-car-to guardrail crash and a pole hit. The MapScenes support of the IATAI members continues to grow and we consider it our privilege to serve each one of you. IL is a gracious state and I certainly look forward to seeing everyone again next year!
Presentations were by Joe Cafone on Rollovers, Nate Shigemera on Occupant Kinematics, Steve Neese on Internet Web-Based Recon Info Systems, Dr. Wipfler on Injuries in ER, George Hall on Electronic Drag Sleds, and Brad Muir on Crash Data.
|
| |
|
|
|
AVI - 3.73 M |
|
|
| |
|
October 2004 - Pennsylvania State Police CARS Seminar, State College
In an unprecedented opportunity, vendors were invited to the seminar so that attendees could make comparisons between different brands of total stations, data collectors, data collection software and CAD programs. An excellent opportunity to review what is new in technology with actual hands on testing and factual assessments.
In addition, guest speakers were Joe Cafone on Utility Pole and Tree Impacts, Jeremy Daily on Multiple Impact Collisions, Andy Rich on Three Point Airborne Trajectory Analysis as well as a new look at Momentum, Jon Northrup on Drive 3, and Greg Russell on Excel Spreadsheets.
|
|
October 2004 -
Combined conference sponsored by Maryland Association of Technical Accident Investigators, NJARS, NATARI, NYSTARS and NYPAR,. Ocean City MD
Crash tests by Rusty Haight and Brad Muir of the Collision Safety Institute. Crash tests were mapped with Evidence Recorder and diagrams completed with MapScenes Pro. Thanks to Matt Ilardo of New York Precision, our MapScenes dealer out of Bohemia NY. Your help and energy were tremendous. Special thanks to Ocean City Police Department, especially Hugh Bean, for the day AFTER the conference!
Rollovers and ramp jumps, as well as a car to car crash filled the day at the Ocean City Airport .
Presentations by Greg Russell on Excel Spreadsheets, Al Baxter on Internet Resources for AR, Mitchell Dinterman on DNA in AR, Bob Squire on NHTSA Early Warning Reporting Regulations, Brad Muir on CDR Updates, Joel Todd on Criminal Investigation in AR and Rusty Haight wrapped up the conference with the Crash Data presentation. Rusty had just about every word he said recorded on tape and hundreds of photos taken by a free lance team for Car and Driver Magazine. I hear the issue will be out early in 2005.
After years of working together for this joint conference, it was again, a very entertaining and eventful time. This group is more like a family reunion each year. Pat Burley, you are a wonderful host, thank you for remembering your associates that worked so hard, and for your great sense of humor.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 2004 - CopsWest, Ontario California Yet another year at the CopsWest conference. This conference was well attended with MapScenes customers and was a great opportunity to meet many new people from the west coast.
MicroSurvey was supported by our dealers Kara Company , Haselbach Surveying Instruments , Surveyor's Instrument Service Company in AZ and Surveyor's Service Company in CA. Thank you for being there and showing Law Enforcement Officers our strength in numbers. |
|
"We had been using AutoSketch for years before switching to MapScenes. The features I like are the ease of downloading your data collector and the profiles that can be created.
Out here we have a lot of impaired drivers who drive at the speed of sound, hit the ditch and launch over a drive. The profile component within MapScenes takes the guess work out of a speed from vault study."
Trp Jeff Westrum, SP141
Crash Recon Minnesota State Patrol
 |
MapScenes Training |
Forensic Mapping Training
 | 
College Station
Police Department
College Station, TX
Jan. 24 - 28, 2005
*** SOLD OUT! ***
MapScenes Training
Central Missouri
State University
Warrensburg, MO
Jan. 24 - 28, 2005
Info sheet: PDF: 1755 KB
MapScenes Instructor, Steve Gatterman of Collision Investigation Solutions in Bellingham WA will soon be up and running with web based training for MapScenes and Evidence Recorder.
The online training is being developed to allow more users to receive training in a convenient manner. Using the online system, users can more easily learn new skills, receive refresher training, and hear about new program features at a reduced cost to their agency/firm.
The short course format allows an agency to schedule training for short durations during the regular work week, without having to lose an officer for several days.
Course information will be available at www.TrainingByCIS.com soon.
Former CIS students will automatically receive course information via email.
Request a MapScenes Class
Would you like to host a MapScenes class in your area? If you have a training facility that holds 10 or more you can host a class that is open to LE agencies and reduce your training costs.
Just click here and let us know what you need and how to contact you. Basic, Intermediate, Advanced? MapScenes Pro only or Evidence Recorder too.
|
Training Updates |
Congratulations to The Mississippi Criminal Laboratory, Crime Scene Investigation Unit for completing a grueling 5 day Forensic Mapping class in September. Seventeen members of the Crime Scene Investigation Unit attended a Crime Scene Forensic Mapping course at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Academy .
The State purchased four complete Forensic Mapping Systems from CSI Mapping, a division of
McKinzie & Associates. The New Sokkia 530R3 total station coupled to the Panasonic Toughbook data collector with Evidence Recorder Pro. MapScenes Pro for desktop diagrams rounded out the main components. Steve McKinzie and Doug Barlet instructed the class with a special emphasis on map validation and 3 dimensional mapping for court room presentation.
“I had reservations about placing so much advanced instructional material before the students in such a short time period” said expert instructor Steve McKinzie. “These folks poured every ounce of effort they had into the class, their attitudes and performance proved it” added Doug Barlet. The management at the crime lab backed the investigators efforts 100%, as it should be. The students are now in their field demonstrated proficiency period, where they practice their newly learned skills weekly in a more relaxed environment than a real crime scene.
Violent Criminals in Mississippi are about to face a new crime tool in the court room. "I have every confidence in their abilities to use these newly learned tools in their efforts to keep Mississippi safe." adds McKinzie.
Larry Colagiovanni of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office FL, did a presentation at the Florida Division of the International Association of Identification on using a total station for mapping crime scenes.
The one hour presentation was an introduction to total station equipment, data collectors, Evidence Recorder Pro software and finished up with quality crime scenes maps in MapScenes Pro.
"The attendees couldn't believe how easy the Evidence Recorder and MapScenes software were to use. They were also extremely impressed with the diagrams that can be produced with little effort and time." says Colagiovanni.
|
Customer Updates |
Back in June of this year, Sgt. Kirchmeier of the North Dakota Highway Patrol set out to find the best forensic mapping system available for their reconstructionists. After carefully evaluating MapScenes, Cad Zone and Visual Statement, the Highway Patrol choose MapScenes.
The bid was awarded to Mike Selves of CFS for new Leica total stations with MicroSurvey Tracker data collectors, Evidence Recorder 2.0 software and MapScenes Pro for their teams. A full training class is to follow very soon.
North Dakota is the most recent state agency to work on standardizing with MapScenes. They are in great company with AL, DE, IL, KS, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV,NY,OH,OK, PA, SC, SD, and TX who have MapScenes, Evidence Recorder or in most cases both.
Many other state agencies are diligently working to secure funding to do the same or to add to their existing MapScenes / EvR Forensic Mapping systems.
The Alabama State Troopers recently received their shipment of Panasonic Toughbook data collectors with Evidence Recorder 2.0 and MapScenes Lite software.
Sgt. J. Patterson worked with the Kara Company in acquiring the equipment and software, and arranged for an instructional class.
All copies of MapScenes (2000 release) across the state have been upgraded to MapScenes Lite (2004 release) for mapping homeland security issues and for serious collisions.
Metro Transit Police / Minneapolis, MN recently purchased a Leica Total Station, with a MicroSurvey Tracker data collector with Evidence Recorder 2.0 software and & MapScenes Pro from Collision Forensic Solutions.
A one week MapScenes Pro training course was given by Sgt. Don Schmalzbauer of the Minnesota State Patrol. Agents from Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in MN were in attendance. Don also instructed a weeklong forensic mapping course with fellow CFS Instructor Mike Selves on how to use the total station.
Minnesota State Patrol recently added the MicroSurvey Tracker with Evidence Recorder to its list of equipment. This perfectly compliments the copies of MapScenes Pro they have.
Collision Reconstruction Associates / Georgetown, KY - a private reconstruction company has joined in using the software choice of professionals by purchasing MapScenes Pro software and Evidence Recorder 2.0 on a MicroSurvey Tracker to work with a brand new Leica total station from Collision Forensic Solutions.
Watertown Police Department Watertown, SD has become the newest law enforcement agency from South Dakota to choose the MicroSurvey Tracker with Evidence Recorder 2.0 and MapScenes Pro software from Collision Forensic Solutions.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Chino Hills, CA has added MapScenes Pro and a MicroSurvey Tracker with Evidence Recorder 2.0 to their Traffic Unit, purchased from Collision Forensic Solutions.
|
Discuss
MapScenes with other Users at our Yahoo Group |
Exclusively for MPS clients Yahoo.com hosts a free User's Forum for MapScenes and Evidence Recorder software.
Exchange ideas, uses, tips and tricks, and receive assistance and advice from other users of MapScenes software. The Yahoo group also shares drawing files, symbols and animations and more
Link: MapScenes Pro Yahoo Group
(The group does not attempt to replace the Standard or VIP MapScenes Support Plans. MapScenes technical questions can be answered free)
Link: MapScenes User Forum
|
User Tip -
Glen W. Cameron, C.E.T.
Technical Support Manager |
Creating Dashed Polylines
 |
We Want to Hear from You |
- Tell us what is on your feature wish list.
- Would you like to be featured in our newsletter.
- Do you have an interesting map or photo to share.
- Did we do something right?
- Tell us what you think.
info@mapscenes.com
MapScenes is the
official conference mapping team for conference crashes performed by
|
Just One More... |
"The future looks bright... "
Connor Haight shows
dad how its done.
|
|
