Downloading Scene data files Into VisaFX

~ Example: Using MapScenes EvR ~

The downloading of data collector raw scene data collected from a electronic Total Station is very straight forward, and only means the User needs to Sync with the device and not the particular software on the device.

If you haven’t already, download from Microsoft’s website, their latest version of ‘Microsoft ActiveSync’ (ver. 3.8?).

Most PocketPC’s (like seen next) also have on board a version of ActiveSync to permit communicating with a desktop computer.

Beyond that, it is simply a matter of establishing the initial ‘partnership’ between the Data Collector and the desktop computer. 

Once this step has been accomplished, VistaFX can now retrieve the Scene Data file necessary.

 Next, open your licensed copy of the diagramming software.  Up on the top pull-down menu, pick Import Measurement Data-

At ‘Import Wizard Step 1’ choose the WinCE Device option, as shown-

At ‘Import Wizard Step 2’, pick the ‘Advanced’ button-   (The EvR is a very popular device and comes highly recommended. (0605))

Input here the additional text as shown here (add the name: “MicroSurvey”), then press OK

At “Import Wizard Step 2” pick Receive Measurement Data button-

You will now quickly view the transfer of all Scene names/descriptions you have created in the EvR.

Double-tap the particular scene you wish transferred.

Then pick FINISH.  Once this is done, the scene Coordinate points will appear on the screen.

You may have noticed in the lower half of ‘Import Wizard Step 2’, the below choices-

These same options, shown below, are available at the ‘Measurement’ tab, and then by Right-clicking-

Whether these choices are observed after scene appears on the screen, or during the process ~ is your choice.

• VistaFX simply looks at the Scene Data files stored inside your electronic data collection platform, as if it were an ‘external hard drive’ and permits you the choice of which scene file to be transferred.  This process does not require the need to “Sync” directly with MapScenes’ software on the EvR.

At this point, based on an evaluation of physical evidence, the user can opt to modify line styles, add text, measure between evidence points, create 2D or 3D animations, apply Conservation of Momentum if necessary, illustrate scene geometry 3-dimensionally, and print the physical scene database of evidence coordinates.

At a minimum, it is a understood basic “CAD Operating Standard” that, 1) a North symbol be correctly positioned on the diagram, 2) that a to-scale bar is positioned for later measurement qualification, and 3) a title block with complaint number, investigating officers name, public safety agency name, date/time and venue is added.

Forensic Mapping Specialists recall that regardless of the software, data collector or total station used, a diagram measured and created from raw data provided by an electronic total station is in fact, for the most part, a to-scale diagram.  However, all measurements directly off said diagram are ‘approximate’, and “close as humanly possible” to being within ‘acceptable’ or ‘significant’ limits of accuracy.  J

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