The Use of Electronic Survey Equipment in the Creation of Accident Scene Diagrams

Accurate scene diagrams are essential to most accident reconstructions. Moreover, the scene diagrams make useful trial exhibits. Electronically Aided Survey Equipment (EASE) can aid the investigator and reconstructionist because it provides the following advantages over traditional measurement techniques: it is faster; it is more accurate; it eliminates transposing errors; it provides elevation measurements; and it permits data to be directly imported into CAD or animation programs. This paper will describe the process from survey to diagram. Furthermore, reconstructionists can load data into a spreadsheet for greater analysis. This paper will additionally cover how electronic survey and data logging can be useful in photogrammetry, in photographic reverse projection, and in obtaining elevations, roadway grades, cross slopes and curve radii for use in speed analysis. A discussion of sight distance analysis diagrams as constructed from survey data is also included. Finally, this paper will address present day and future measurement and recording systems.