It is important to be able to easily, quickly and accurately measure offset to roadside hazards, for a number of reasons. One important reason is that risk-rating systems (such as NetRisk, AusRAP, the MRWA Roadside Hazard Rating and iRAP) require accurate measurement of offset. Currently this is achieved by visual inspection of video data. This is time-consuming and has the potential for error. This paper describes the results from a trial of a side-scanning laser device for measuring offset. It was concluded that, in general, the side-scanning laser system is a fast, convenient and accurate method of measuring offset. However, it was also found that frangible objects are not easily distinguished from non-frangible objects and that embankments produce a misleading offset. Some ways in which future development of the system can overcome these problems are discussed. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E220164.
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