New Computer System Clears Accidents More Quickly
By: Kristin Mazur
Updated: August 13, 2009
“I can measure a scene in probably 15-to-20 minutes” says Indiana State Trooper Tom Merkling.
Compare that time to the 2-to-3 hours it currently takes officers to clear an accident scene. What makes this possible? Its called photogrammetry. It’s a 3D computer system that would cut an officer’s time measuring an accident scene by nearly 90-percent.
Officers simply place down small markers marked with letters or numbers and a white dot. They then snap a few digital pictures and head to their car laptops.
Using a few photos, a 3D graphic is created on the laptop and measurements are created. They are also more accurate measurements than those currently obtained using a tape measure, because height is also taken into account.
“I’m off the road, the other driver’s off the road, and were on and off the road a lot quicker” adds Merkling.
Merkling is the only officer trained in photogrammetry in Allen County. This system is currently not being used in the area, but will begin soon on a trial basis.
