A method to automate radiological surveys: the Ultrasonic Ranging and Data System

The Ultrasonic Ranging and Data System (USRADS) was developed to allow radiation exposure rate data and positional information to be simultaneously collected, stored, and analyzed in a manner more efficient than conventional survey techniques. USRADS is field portable using ultrasonics to locate a field surveyor on a site and radiofrequency to transmit data. Surveyor position (e.g., measurement location within 10 cm) and an integrated instrument measurement are recorded and stored once each second in a microcomputer. Operational experience indicates that the system results in collection of greater quantity and higher quality of radiological data with less effort in data transcription and analysis and only slightly more field effort compared to conventional manual methods.