Carlson CSI Mobile Crash and Crime Scene Mapping Software

Carlson CSI Mobile for crash and crime scene mapping

Carlson CSI Mobile is specialised field software for law enforcement officers, forensic mapping teams and accident reconstruction professionals who need to accurately document crash and crime scenes using surveying equipment. Rather than relying on hand sketches and separate notes, investigators can collect measured points and build scene information directly on a field controller while they work.

The software is based on Carlson’s professional surveying data-collection technology but adapts the workflow and terminology for forensic investigations. It can be configured for conventional total stations, robotic total stations or GPS/GNSS equipment, allowing an agency or reconstruction specialist to choose the measurement method that suits its existing hardware and working environment.

Capture accurate scene measurements in the field

CSI Mobile allows investigators to store measured points directly from connected survey instruments. A conventional or robotic total station can be used where line-of-sight measurements are preferred, while a GPS configuration provides a GNSS-based workflow for suitable outdoor scenes.

The software includes instrument setup, orientation, point storage, offsets and raw-data functions commonly required for professional measurement work. For investigators, this means important scene features can be recorded as coordinated measurements rather than estimated positions on a sketch.

This approach is useful for traffic collisions, roadway investigations, outdoor crime scenes and other situations where the relationship between vehicles, evidence, road markings and fixed objects needs to be documented clearly.

Draw scene linework while measurements are being taken

Measurements are not limited to a list of point numbers. Carlson CSI Mobile can create linework in the field, allowing investigators to see the developing scene as data is collected. Points can be connected to represent kerbs, road edges, structures and other physical features, helping the operator identify missing information before equipment is packed away.

Field shots can be extended or joined to existing linework, while dedicated offset and Move Up functions help document objects that cannot be measured directly. This is particularly useful when an evidence point is obstructed, close to traffic or otherwise difficult to occupy safely with a prism or GNSS pole.

Vehicle mapping with fewer field measurements

One of the specialised functions in CSI Mobile is its vehicle-drawing workflow. The software includes vehicle dimension information that can be used to create a correctly scaled vehicle graphic after selecting the appropriate vehicle information and measuring known locations on the vehicle.

For an undamaged vehicle, a complete scaled representation can be generated from a limited number of field shots rather than measuring every corner and body detail individually. Damaged vehicles can also be documented from measurements around the affected area. This reduces repetitive field work while retaining measured positioning information for the scene drawing.

Document skid marks road markings and scene evidence

CSI Mobile includes symbols and line styles intended specifically for crash and crime-scene work. Investigators can record common urban and roadside features such as evidence points, poles, manholes, hydrants, trees and road signs without having to manually draft every item from scratch.

Special line designations can be used for features such as skid marks, lane separation lines, stop lines and similar roadway markings. Because these features are represented graphically during collection, the field operator can check the scene for completeness instead of discovering missing information later in the office.

Simplified workflow for investigators

A field program used at an active road or crime scene needs to keep commonly used functions easy to reach. CSI Mobile uses a simplified interface that separates the main survey and file functions from graphical commands, reducing the amount of menu navigation required while measurements are being collected.

Feature codes can also be used to speed repetitive collection. Sequential features can be automatically identified as measurements continue, helping investigators maintain an organised dataset without manually entering a new description for every individual point.

Create reusable scene information

For locations that are investigated repeatedly, scene information can be reused rather than recreated from the beginning. This can be useful at intersections, sections of road or other locations where multiple incidents may occur over time. Existing fixed features can provide context while new measurements are added for the current investigation.

The ability to review the graphical scene during collection also provides an immediate quality-control check. Investigators can see whether vehicle positions, roadway features and evidence locations have been captured before the scene is cleared.

Total station robotic and GNSS workflows

Global GPS Systems offers CSI Mobile in configurations for Basic Total Station, Robotics, GPS and Hybrid+. This allows the software licence to be matched to the equipment and measurement workflow used by the investigation team.

A conventional total station configuration is suited to teams working with manually operated survey instruments. Robotics provides support for robotic measurement workflows, while the GPS configuration enables compatible GNSS measurement. A Hybrid+ configuration is available for workflows that use a combination of measurement technologies.

For organisations already using professional survey hardware, this flexibility can make it possible to build a forensic mapping setup around familiar measurement methods rather than introducing an entirely separate approach to scene surveying.

From field measurements to Carlson CSI Office

CSI Mobile is designed to work alongside Carlson CSI Office. Measurements and scene information collected in the field can be brought into the office environment for further drawing, analysis and reconstruction work.

This field-to-office workflow is useful when the person documenting the scene is not the same person preparing the final reconstruction. The field operator can concentrate on collecting reliable spatial information while the reconstruction specialist works with the resulting dataset later in the investigation.

CSI Office adds more extensive forensic diagramming and presentation tools, including 3D scene viewing, vehicle information, point editing and drawing tools. For organisations using both products, CSI Mobile provides the measurement side of the workflow while CSI Office provides the more detailed desktop reconstruction environment.

Who uses Carlson CSI Mobile?

Carlson CSI Mobile is intended primarily for police crash investigation units, traffic investigation teams, crime-scene personnel, state and regional law enforcement agencies and independent accident reconstruction consultants. It is also relevant to forensic specialists with surveying experience who require coordinate-based scene documentation rather than basic photographic or sketch-based recording.

The software is particularly useful where a scene must be measured efficiently while roads are closed or access is restricted. By creating usable point data and graphics during field collection, teams can reduce the amount of information that needs to be reconstructed later from handwritten notes.

Carlson CSI Mobile from Global GPS Systems

Choosing the correct CSI Mobile configuration depends on the instruments you intend to use and how your investigation team collects scene data. Global GPS Systems can help match the software configuration to a conventional total station, robotic total station or compatible GNSS workflow and can advise on a complete field measurement setup where required.

For teams planning a complete field-to-office reconstruction workflow, Global GPS Systems can also help determine how CSI Mobile fits alongside Carlson CSI Office and compatible surveying hardware.