Maximizing Precision in Katapult Pro: Best Practices for Field and Office Teams

 

Overview

This document addresses common issues and misconceptions observed in Katapult Pro data collection that can significantly impact measurement accuracy. Understanding these pitfalls and implementing the corrective measures outlined below will ensure data quality meets required standards for utility asset documentation.

 

 

1. Calibration Marker Status Indicators

The Misconception

Users often assume that green calibration markers indicate perfect placement and optimal accuracy. This is a critical misunderstanding of how the color-coding system functions.

The Reality

Calibration markers in height photos must be precisely centered within the white square calibration target. While the system displays calibration markers in green, yellow, or red based on accuracy thresholds, these colors represent a pass/fail tolerance check rather than an indication of optimal placement.

Key distinction: Yellow or red calibration markers indicate that at least one marker has failed the regression model threshold. Green calibration markers indicate all calibration  markers have passed the minimum threshold, but this does not guarantee the calibration markers are optimally placed or that measurements will achieve maximum accuracy.

Impact on Data Quality

Imprecise marker placement—even when marked green—directly affects measurement accuracy for all subsequent measurements in that photo. The calibration process establishes the spatial reference framework for the entire image, making marker precision paramount.

 

Corrective Actions

1. Zoom in on each calibration target during the marker placement process
2. Verify visual centering of each marker within the white square of the calibration target sticker
3. Delete and replace any calibration markers that appear off-center or imprecise upon closer inspection

 

2. Height Stick Positioning

The Misconception

Users believe that simply including the height stick somewhere in the frame is sufficient for accurate height measurements.

 

The Reality

Height stick presence is necessary but not sufficient. The critical factor is the height stick's position relative to the pole and camera plane. Katapult Pro calculates accurate height measurements for attachments that exist on the same plane as the height stick. This requires the height stick to be positioned flush against the pole surface facing the camera. 

 

The same principle applies in midspans. To maintain the coplanar requirement for accurate height measurements, the height stick must be placed directly underneath cables in spans.. 

 

Impact on Data Quality

Incorrect height stick positioning introduces parallax error into measurements. When the height stick is placed in front of the pole or offset to either side, attachments on the pole are no longer coplanar with the measurement reference. This geometric misalignment results in systematically inaccurate height measurements that cannot be corrected through post-processing.

 

Identifying the Issue

Review height photos for the following positioning errors:

• Height stick positioned in front of the pole (not making contact with pole surface) or any gap between the height stick and pole surface
• Height stick offset laterally to the left or right side of the pole

 

Corrective Actions

If incorrect positioning is identified during QA review:

1. Flag the asset for field recapture
2. Schedule a pickup to return to the site
3. Recapture height photo with proper height stick placement

 

*Use Katapult Pro’s feedback feature to provide targeted input and ensure continuous improvement for field teams.

 

Proper field procedure:

• Position height stick flush against the pole surface
• Ensure height stick faces directly toward the camera
• Verify full contact between height stick and pole before capturing

 

 

For questions regarding these guidelines or specific data quality issues, contact support@katapultengineering.com.