Citation

Templeton D. Collision 2008; 3(2): 16-20.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Collision Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Transportation have a goal of opening highways within 90 minutes from the time the first officer arrives at a crash scene. In order to meet this objective, the team has implemented close-range photogrammetry that allows troopers to photograph the crash scene using a digital camera. Later, the crash is mapped using a computer at the office. This can significantly reduce the time required to investigate the accident on-site. This article explains the photogrammetry process and uses a case study to highlight how it can be used. The photogrammetry process entails taking pictures from different overlapping view perspectives. These multiple image perspectives are imported into a software program where two or more images of the same entity are cross referenced to each other. The process solves for the camera positions and three-dimensional coordinates. In the case study, it took the trooper only 13 minutes to acquire the pictures of the crash scene and 3 hours of office time to do the computer work. The Florida Highway Patrol has found close-range photogrammetry to be an accurate, fast and easy-to-use tool for mapping crash scenes for accident investigation purposes.