Documentation of Existing Facade Condtions in the Field
A Comparison of Two Methods



We chose a program called PocketCAD, produced by ArcSecond, running on the Compaq iPAQ computer. PocketCAD was chosen because it is reasonably priced ($200) and the iPAQ because of the Windows CE handhelds available, it has the most readable screen in full daylight and adequate processing power to run the software. Working with ArcSecond, we developed the specifications for what became known as the Exterior Survey Application or ESA. While this system worked, it proved time-consuming and repetitious to input data in the field.

We sought to streamline the data input process with a user-editable menu to allow for different building materials and deterioration morphologies. There are presently four database fields available, which we use for the type of material, class of fault and extent (quantity) or severity of the fault, specified within ranges. The fourth field is reserved for the photo I.D. number or for notes on outlying or unusual conditions that do not fall neatly into the structured, pre-programmed fields.

Each permutation of material, fault type, and extent or severity is automatically placed on a separate layer in the CAD file, allowing for visual and graphical "sorting" of different fault types by switching on and off specific layers.