Configuration

In this mode of operation, the laser scanner would typically be set up in a protective housing, with a mains power supply and a stable pillar on which to be mounted. A number of reflectors, installed around the region(s) to be monitored and having known co-ordinates, enable the regular calculations of an Atmospheric Range Correction Factor to remove the effects of variation in the scanner's range measurements caused by atmospheric effects.

A scanning schedule would be defined, and then the software can be left to run in a completely automated fashion without further operator intervention. SiteMonitor is able to email or SMS (text message) alerts to the operator if movement is detected, an alarm is triggered, or an error occurs. (Note that this functionality requires the appropriate hardware, e.g. a wireless LAN link to the site network.

Manual mode would be used in a number of scenarios:

• Where multiple survey pillars are installed and the scanner will be moved between them periodically
• Where continuous monitoring of a site is not required and the scanner is removed between surveys
• Where the scanner must be removed between surveys for security or discretion

In this survey mode, a number of reflectors would be necessary to enable SiteMonitor to re-orientate the scanner relative to previous scans (similar to a backsight orientation), as well as providing the ability to perform atmospheric range corrections.

Power is supplied either from a 12V battery, or from a 12V supply from a vehicle. This option gives the operator a comfortable environment in which to work as the scanner and software can be controlled from inside the vehicle.