So while perusing the local newspaper this evening, I happened upon this image of a crime lab technician transporting the lab's (at least what appears to be a) Leica ScanStation C10 with an externally mounted camera. I remember reading discussions in previous threads here, some time ago now, about transporting instruments, and the resulting discussion about the strain induced on instrument and its components.
o.O
I would never attempt moving a high five figure instrument in this manner (i.e. dropping the instrument just to pick the bulky thing up) let alone feel confident that a law enforcement agency could use their "gathered evidence" in a courtroom setting knowing that they are treating "their" equipment in that manner, and potentially corrupting their gathered data (and future use of the same unit).
Am I completely wrong here?? I am curious to hear everyone's comments.....
Everyone please have a safe & prosperous New Year!
http://www.omaha.com/article/20131230/NEWS/131239953
It was bad enough "back in the day" to transport instruments in that manner. But now with the new instruments having even more delicate electronics and "big heads", I would think it would be even more critical to properly dismount the instrument for transport.
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[sarcasm]There should be a pink slip waiting for him at the office[/sarcasm]
:good:
While this snap shot doesn't give the whole picture I generally don't have a problem with it. It depends how far he's going, terrain he is walking over, etc.
I would have been fired immediately for doing something like that even with one of the older guns I have used.
The question is: Did management see to it that he was trained properly in the first place?
You are absolutely right about your assumptions as it applies to Laser Scanners with external cameras. they are costly and delicate.
Laser scanners without cameras it really doesn't make that big a difference. Sounds counter intuitive especially considering the price tag, but we typically take lots of scans 10-15' apart in most plants and rarely dismount the scanner. Think of it like a big brick with a rotating lens in the center. As long as you don't 'bump' the scanner then it is pretty well dummy proof.
That being said, those external cameras are pricey and VERY delicate things to mess with. Everything has to be synchronized and calibrated just right or the pictures are crap and the operator at the very least should have carried it by hand to the next location.
At least that has been my experience.
There is absolutely no reason for this to happen. They ahould both be unemployed. If this is the way they were trained, then the trainer should be fired. Surveying is an art and these guys are hacks.
Jefesdi,
I have only minimal experience with Leica scanners but I recall that they have "cameras" in them. Is this a stripped down version without one? Seems odd.
The assistant to the instrument carrier appears to be wearing some ear buds and listening to some hot tunes.
JA, PLS SoCal
I operate one of these in our department and liable for its safe use. Both in terms of operation and transport. This is an 40+ pound instrument attached to a basic tribrach. At that angle something is tweeking. I'm almost sure of it. The tripod restraints are a safety hazard when transporting that way. Easy to trip on them.
I actually shivered when I saw this. :bad:
Funny place to park a car...
Why Is The Crime Lab At A Traffic Accident ?
Heck if there were no injuries, (car looks sound) and the driver was not impaired, police around here would not even write up an accident report.
Serious waste of resources. I'ld fire the Police Chief.
Paul in PA
I'll bet it was there first ...........
Why Is The Crime Lab At A Traffic Accident ?
Uh, click the link..."Omaha police are investigating a one-vehicle accident early Monday near 38th and Pratt Streets in which a man died after apparently being pinned between a car and a house"
Maybe a pink slip or not because ...
:good:
... if he hadn't been trained properly, he wouldn't know any better. :-O
OMG!!!
Leica is actively selling scanners to lay police and fire investigators. They get really uncomfortable when a surveyor starts talking about error propagation at one of their "it's so simple a 2 year old can do it" sales pitches.
No, the external camera has higher resolution.
I think that is a P20
bunch of old hens...
..clucking 'bout nuthin'.
My personal opinion:
1. If someone wants to drop 80k on an instrument and let bone-heads trot around around with them improperly; well then let 'em. A Professional Surveying License is not required to purchase or operate any equipment. Now if I had purchased that equipment and my employee was carrying it that way he wouldn't be my employee.
2. A vehicle sitting in the middle of a large spruce may look sound, but I bet it isn't. What if this was a result of a police chase and there were fatalities?
3. I'm amazed at how much we've read into one snapshot. My Granny always told me to "get the 2x4 out of my eye before I start tellin' my neighbor about the sawdust in his eye."
..y'all get to work.;-)