ABSTRACT
The Centre for Employment and Disadvantaged Studies was commissioned by the Mobility and Inclusion Unit of the Department for Transport to conduct a study to measure occupied wheelchairs and scooters to determine the characteristics of their users and to assess the changes that are taking place in the design of the devices. The 1991 and 1999 studies used single-image photogrammetry. Each of the photographs taken were used to manually calculate the various dimensions – height, length, width, ankle height, shoulder width, knee height and axle spacing. Rather than strips or pairs of overlapping photographs, multi-image photogrammetry involves taking images of an object from several different angles. It is an easier technique for the non-specialist. These packages are usually cheap compared to more traditional equipment and are generally easier to learn. Coupled with the digital camera revolution, these packages have brought photogrammetry within the reach of more people.
