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July/Aug 2005
Scan as you go
Psion Teklogix NetBook Pro clamshell-style mobile computers are playing a central role in a remarkable new software and hardware package for surveyors. In essence, it allows people in the field to avoid doing hand-drawn sketches of sites, which then have to be transcribed at base. Instead, it creates an accurate two-dimensional scan of the environment automatically whilst in the field. The system has been developed by MBS Survey Software. Alongside the NetBook Pro, the other key hardware component is a Bluetooth-enabled Leica DISTO laser measurement device. The surveyor uses the laser measuring device to create a starting point for the floor plan. As he or she moves round the walls of the room with the measuring device, the data is transferred via Bluetooth directly to the computer, and a graphical view of the room is generated on the screen. This can be emailed back to base as required. According to Andy Roberts, MBS Survey's head of business development, the advent of Windows CE on small mobile computer devices has played a big part in the development of this market, but few such devices met all the requirements. The NetBook scored with its larger screen, full QWERTY keyboard and extended battery life.
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