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



Direct Digital Input of Facade Survey Data:
The objective was to input field notes directly into AutoCAD "attribute tags", embedding all data relevant to faults at a particular location, in a single database record. Additional data that could be associated with the attribute tag might be a digital photo, digital video clip, narration or a treatment code. This approach eliminates the work associated with tagging and locating photographs and allows our client to go directly from a digital volume of photographs to the exact location on the drawing where that specific photograph was taken. Conversely, a photograph at a specific location could be viewed by simply opening the attribute tag associated with that location.

In 2001, Vertical Access began using hand-held, pen-based computers running under Windows CE with a CAD program capable of producing .dwg-compatible files for collecting data in the field. At that time, we were asked to document contractor-inflicted damage to a U.S. government building in Newark, NJ. Our charge was to locate and document every nick and over-cut mortar joint on the building. Notes were made on over 3000 conditions, with a photo supporting each observation.