Vol 1 - Issue 2 April 4, 2005  
Modern Inspector
InspectTech's Newsletter for Inspection and Asset Management
Welcome to the Second Issue!
InspectTech has been extremely busy since the last issue of Modern Inspector only four months ago. InspectTech's software has been expanded to meet the requirements of two new state DOTs (Maryland and Indiana). Each state took less than one month to fully develop! The quick turnaround is possible because of our highly modularized software base that can meet 80%-90% of typical needs for new entities. The last 10%-20% we customize for your specific organization, state, or county to generate the EXACT output that is required! 

This issues contents:
  
  Maryland version of BridgeInspectTM Collector Launched

Kennedy Porter & Associates (KPA) and Greenhorne & O’mara (G&O) are now using InspectTech’s new Maryland version of its popular BridgeInspectTM Collector software. InspectTech customizes the BridgeInspectTM software to meet the needs of each of our clients. The Maryland version fully incorporates all of Maryland State Highways’ new SI&A forms, coding manual, and Pontis elements. 

KPA and G&O inspectors are now able to seamlessly go from field data collection to report generation with the click of a button! In addition to all of the standard  MD SHA forms used on inspections, several other data entry screens were added. These screens include the old 58, 59, 60, 61, 70, and 72 MD forms as well as an interactive sounding sheet to allow the user to specify the number of piers and automatically generate the correct number of data cells.
 
The BridgeInspectTM Collector software imports and exports to the Microsoft Access file that SHA distributes. This access file contains all of the SI&A (NBI) data along with PONTIS elemental level information. When an inspector goes out into the field all of this information is pre-populated into the report. This prevents the inspector from having to type data over again. InspectTech’s latest version includes color coding to allow inspectors to visually determine what changes have been made over the past inspection.   



 
      
  Computer Hardware for Performing Bridge Inspections    
       
“What type of computer is best for using on bridge inspections?” This is one of the most common questions that inspectors and managers ask when moving toward a modern computerized inspection system.   Fortunately, there are several good options available. The final choice ultimately depends on a number of factors including price, personal preference, and amount of typing/narrative that is required. There are three main types of computers that are commonly considered for field inspections: laptops, tablets, and PDAs.

Laptops are the most commonly used devices for bridge inspections. Laptops range in size and weight considerably. The ones best suited for field work tend to be light-weight (~3lbs) allowing for greater portability over bulkier models. Laptop computers run the same operating systems as desktop computers and tend to be easy for inspectors to pick up and use with little to no training. 

Tablet computers are similar in size to laptops, but have the ability to be used like a clipboard. Tablet computers have a pen-input which is used on the screen to select from option lists. For writing descriptions there are three  options: handwriting recognition, a virtual keyboard on the screen (pick each letter), and a physical keyboard. Many tablets offer a keyboard that can be attached and allow the device to function similar to a laptop.

PDAs are much smaller devices than tablets or laptops. They are best suited for applications where all of the information can be entered by selecting options off of drop-down lists. The limited screen size and difficulty in writing narrative make the PDAs unsuitable for inspections with much narrative information. The small size of the PDA also limits available processor power and memory preventing the easy integration of pictures/sketches that can be done on laptops or tablets. 

Once the device type is selected, another important decision  whether to get a standard or ruggedized version. In the past ruggedized versions were often 2 to 3 times as expensive as the standard versions. Now, however, the price gap has closed considerably to be closer to 1.5 times to 2 times as expensive. Many ruggedized computers are also offered with special outdoor features. These features include screens enhanced for use in sunlight conditions to help avoid glare problems. Ruggedized versions typically come in different levels of ‘ruggedness’ from semi to ultra. The higher the level selected, the greater costs and the more indestructible the computer. Some of the military compliant computers even advertise such feats as surviving a tank drive over them and still work!

So which device is best? InspectTech has customers using all different types of computers and many swear by their particular choice. Which device is best depends largely on your own needs, usage, and budget constraints. Light-weight commodity laptops are currently the most popular choice, largely due to their sub-$1,000 cost.  However, some of the new partially ruggedized computers both laptops and laptops in the sub-$2,000 price range offer very good reliability and usability features for a reasonable price.
       		   


Laptop
Cost: $700—$2,000
Weight: 3lbs—8lbs

Advantages:
- Easy to use; little training/adjustment required
- Powerful in running other applications

Disadvantages:
- Difficult to climb with
- All info must be typed


Tablet
Cost: $1,900—$3,000
Weight: 3lbs—5lbs

Advantages: 
- Pen input on screen
- Familiar form factor

Disadvantages:
- Typing long narratives


PDA
Cost: $200—$700
Weight: 5oz. - 8oz.

Advantages:
- Weight and portability

Disadvantages:
- Screen size
- Narrative writings
- Unable to generate complete report (pictures/sketches)
 
        
  Pictures from the Field...  
 

 

InspectTech's versatile software is being used by companies to inspect structures ranging from 4' to over 3000' in length!

  
 
  Spotlight on Digital Pictures Part 2
In the last issue we discussed digital pictures and their ideal picture sizes.  The quality and features of digital cameras and the pictures they produce is a common question.   One important aspect to consider when purchasing a digital camera are its zoom capabilities.    There are two types of zoom, optical and digital, available on digital cameras.  An optical zoom mechanically changes the lens position to magnify the active area that the camera is focusing on.  The quality of the image is maintained by an optical zoom.   A digital zoom uses software to focus on a subset of pixels that are in the current view.  For example if  you have a 3MP image and do a 4x digital zoom you will really be taking only 1/4 of the 3 Million pixels and 'blowing' them up.  This is why digitally zoomed pictures commonly appear blurred or lack detail.   Many digital cameras will advertise there total zoom factor is a certain amount, say 10x.  However, this zoom is divided into a digital and optical component (i.e. 10x total zoom = 6x digital and 4x optical).   If you have a choice always chose the optical zoom first to retain the quality of the images being taken. 		  
      
  InspectTech Software Featured in Bridge Design & Engineering

The latest version of Bridge Design & Engineering magazine (Q1 2005) includes an article describing the use of InspectTech’s BridgeInspectTM Collector software. Look for the article on page 57 of the magazine. 

 
     
  Upcoming Bridge Events Calendar
Event Name Dates Location
Fifth International Conference on Bridge Management April 11th-13th, 2005 Guilford, England
ASCE Structures Congress April 20th-24th, 2005 New York, NY
22nd International Bridge Conference June 13th-15th, 2005 Pittsburgh, PA
Sixth International Bridge Engineering Conference July 17th-20th, 2005 Boston, MA
New York City Bridge Conference Sept. 12th-13th, 2005 New York, NY
 
      
 
inspecttech - 4551 Forbes Ave. Suite 200 - Pittsburgh, PA 15213
www.InspectTech.com and www.BridgeInspect.com
 412-681-1521 (p)       412-682-3068 (f)