KAUZ-TV: NewsChannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TXDPS Troopers Use GPS Technology to Map Crime and Accident Scenes

DPS Troopers Use GPS Technology to Map Crime and Accident Scenes

The State Department of Public Safety shut down a two-mile stretch of northbound I-287 near Harmony Rd. today. They were continuing the investigation into a March 12th accident that killed truck driver Sadiz Ibrahim.

Ibrahim parked on the shoulder of the road after experiencing mechanical problems. He was standing on the front, driver's side tire leaning under the hood when another tractor trailer struck his truck killing him.

Troopers conduct a full investigation into all fatal accidents. This includes creating a scale model of the accident scene. The technology they use to do this is something you probably have in your car or cell phone.

It is called the Total Station. The unit uses GPS technology to map all important points at an accident or crime scene. An on-board laser reads the location of a prism mounted in a marker pole. Key points are precisely marked using satellite locating.

The data is fed into a computer and an accurate, scale model of the scene is generated. In addition to accuracy, the technology is far easier to use. Adverse weather conditions make traditional tape measuring nearly impossible.

the technology is also very versatile. Troopers who use it often assist other departments in their investigations. it has even been used to recreate homicide scenes.