Close-Range Photogrammetry As a Routine Crash Reconstruction Tool within the Florida Highway Patrol

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.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/19348681
• Authors:
  • Templeton Jr, David A
• Publication Date: 2008

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: pp 16-20
• Serial:
  • Collision. The International Compendium for Crash Research
  • Volume: 3
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Collision Publishing LLC
  • ISSN: 1934-8681
  • Serial URL: http://www.collisionmagazine.com/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cameras; Case studies; Crash investigation sites; Crash reconstruction; Photogrammetry; Software; Traffic crashes; Traffic patrol
• Identifier Terms: Florida Department of Transportation; Florida Highway Patrol
• Geographic Terms: Florida
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I80: Accident Studies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01127268
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 28 2009 8:10AM