Robotic Total Stations and CAD-Based Diagramming Clear the Way for Smoother Forensic Mapping in Minnesota

As Statewide Crash Reconstruction Coordinator for the Minnesota State Patrol, Sergeant Lance Langford is responsible for keeping its reconstructionists not only up to date with changes in vehicles and vehicle technology but also up to speed with the accurate, efficient forensic mapping tools. The last upgrade from tape measures to total stations reduced their mapping average to less than two hours. But with advancements in forensic mapping technology and nearly 600 cases per year, Langford knew they could do better. “When we moved to the Leica TS12 robotic in 2015, we cut our scene time by about 50 percent because you set it up yourself and do all the work yourself,” he says. “It’s a very quick way of doing it, extremely accurate, and it’s simple to use.”