Using the RadMap Survey System and 3-DISS for your surveys, count rates and associated X, Y, Z coordinates are logged. You can collect data in scaler (timed) or ratemeter mode. In scaler mode the counting duration can be set in 1-second intervals. The data is collected in .csv format which is easily imported into ArcGIS, CAD, Excel or many other applications for data display and management.

RadMap Survey System
The RadMap Survey System is an ultrasonic based indoor survey system that is both rented and sold by ERG. A handout with information on the system is downloadable here (492 Kb). The RadMap System comes in one configuration, Single-detector Handheld. It is easily transported in a provided Pelican case and sets up in approximately 5 minutes. This system is oriented towards smaller areas of approximately 10m x 10m but larger areas may be surveyd by resetting the transmitter configuration (leapfrogging). An easy to use Excel add-in, RadPlot, allows the operator to display data.

Three-Dimensional Indoor Survey System (3-DISS)
The 3-DISS is a fan laser based indoor survey system. A brochure with information on the system is downloadable here (1.3 Mb). The 3-DISS comes in 3 configurations: (1) Single-detector Handheld, (2) Multi-detector Floor Scanner Array and (3) Multi-detector Wall Scanner Array. The 3-DISS is designed for larger areas. Using the handheld detector predetermined positions can be navigated to. Using the floor and wall configurations the survey speed is variable and constant with the detector face maintained at a constant distance from the surface being surveyed. The system can be used with many different detector types. So far ERG has used the 3-DISS system with Gas-proportional (simultaneous alpha & beta), Phoswich (simultaneous alpha & beta), NaI (high energy gamma) and FIDLER (low energy photon) detectors.

Three Dimensional Indoor Survey System (ABSTRACT) by Charles P. Farr and Kenneth R. Baker, Ph.D

U.S. Patent No. 60642327 (Pending)
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A new system has been developed for conducting indoor surface contamination surveys of building surfaces and components. The system uses off-the-shelf radiological instrumentation linked to a fan laser positioning system to record the count rates and associated x, y, z coordinates of radioactive emissions from surfaces such as walls and floors. The data are logged by a hand held PDA and then downloaded onto a computer. The data can then be managed and displayed using applications such as ArcView GIS or AutoCAD.

The system has been designed to conform to MARSSIM requirements by allowing a survey unit to be 100 percent scanned with visual display of data, the statistical parameters associated with the data can be determined from the software application capabilities, a grid system can be established with coordinates of the sampling points determined and downloaded into the system, the system then guides the user to the sampling point, and an integrated count measurement may be made at each location with automatic recording of the value and coordinates.

Three configurations of the system currently exist. One or more backpack and single detector units may be used in the survey area to conduct surveys in difficult to access areas or perform long-term integrated radiation measurements. A wall scanning unit consists of a computer controlled lift that moves an array of up to eight detectors up and down a vertical wall surface at a defined speed. Outputs from each of the detectors, along with the (x, y, and z) coordinates, are automatically recorded at user set time intervals. The array, computer-controlled motor, and base can also be configured into a floor scanning unit. Data are automatically collected without regard to direction of travel or path.

The positions of the detectors are automatically determined by a sensor and associated electronics on the detector. The position sensor must have line of site to at least two infrared lasers that are positioned around the work area. The position coordinates have sub-centimeter accuracy.

The radiological instrumentation uses dual-channel ratemeter/scalers coupled to either an alpha/beta dual phosphor scintillation detector or a gas proportional detector. The ratemeter/scaler has adjustable threshold settings for both the alpha and beta channels and an adjustable window for the beta channel. The system allows for the input of a scaling factor for each ratemeter/scaler - detector combination to apply efficiency and/or area corrections to the alpha and beta output readings.

This system is believed to overcome all of the problems with the few existing systems that currently exist today since absolutely no data processing of the raw data is required. The automatic recording of data reduces human error and allows high quality data presentations to be made efficiently. Labor savings of 70 and 90 percent are evident when using the single unit and multiple units, respectively when compared to conventional manual surveys.