Abstract: A method of measuring a structure includes acquiring azimuth and tilt readings at a first location and second location. Images of the structure are also acquired from the first and second location. The respective distances from the first and second locations to a first and second point on the structure are measured. A scale is established from two positions of the structure depicted in the first or second image of the structure. The distance between the first and second points on the structure is found using the established scale. This distance is used with the azimuth and tilt readings and measured distances from the first and second location to build an epipolar model of the structure. The structure may be a utility pole. Also disclosed are methods of assisting photogrammetric measurements and estimating the class of a utility pole, and methods of determining the compliance status of a utility pole.

Abstract: A method of measuring a structure includes acquiring azimuth and tilt readings at a first location and second location. Images of the structure are also acquired from the first and second location. The respective distances from the first and second locations to a first and second point on the structure are measured. A scale is established from two positions of the structure depicted in the first or second image of the structure. The distance between the first and second points on the structure is found using the established scale. This distance is used with the azimuth and tilt readings and measured distances from the first and second location to build an epipolar model of the structure. The structure may be a utility pole. Also disclosed are methods of assisting photogrammetric measurements and estimating the class of a utility pole, and methods of determining the compliance status of a utility pole.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating a precision mask for a utility pole and/or pole hardware (“utility pole”) depicted in a digital image. The utility pole is detected within a digital image comprising a plurality of pixels. An initial pixel mask is then created for the utility pole and determining a color range. The plurality of pixels is then processed within the digital image, wherein: the color of each pixel is sampled, and each pixel is included or excluded from the precision mask based at least partially on its sampled color and the color range; and outputting the precision mask. Other disclosed methods provide for identification of a class of utility pole depicted in a digital image by comparison to a plurality of 3D models. Still other disclosed methods may be used to predict the height of a utility pole depicted in a digital image.

Abstract: A method of measuring a structure includes acquiring azimuth and tilt readings at a first location and second location. Images of the structure are also acquired from the first and second location. The respective distances from the first and second locations to a first and second point on the structure are measured. A scale is established from two positions of the structure depicted in the first or second image of the structure. The distance between the first and second points on the structure is found using the established scale. This distance is used with the azimuth and tilt readings and measured distances from the first and second location to build an epipolar model of the structure. The structure may be a utility pole. Also disclosed are methods of assisting photogrammetric measurements and estimating the class of a utility pole, and methods of determining the compliance status of a utility pole.

Abstract: A mobile handheld instrument having a camera, display, user interface, spatial sensors and inertial measurement unit. Upon user selection of an image region within a captured image a processor may determine an orientation of a surface within the image and the region is forced into alignment with the determined orientation of the surface. The processor may also overlay a plurality of markers on a displayed camera feed, each marker being overlaid at a target position for which spatial sensors have already captured data. A user may also select target categories and captured data sets obtained by spatial sensors and associated with the selected target categories. Measurements captured for target points may be overlaid on the displayed camera feed. The determined measurement data may be updated based on a user instruction to alter the set of target points.

Abstract: A portable instrument or apparatus includes a portable device and a rangefinder module. The rangefinder module can be attached to the portable device, which may be any suitable smartphone, tablet or other consumer electronics device having a camera. By suitable alignment of the rangefinder and camera, the device is capable of capturing accurate data over significant ranges, including for example an image of a target together with position information concerning the target.