Digital ruler and protractor for use on computer screen

[John Pickard]

Good morning all,

 

I frequently want to set stuff up on my desktop (Windows XP), usually when I am rotating images, aligning things, or drawing diagrams, and I want to both measure lengths between things on the screen, and determine angles. More specifically, I'm looking for some (preferably free) software to download.

 

There is a nice free screen ruler (Cool Ruler) from several sites (e.g. http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Other-Desktop-Enhancements/Cool-Ruler.shtml), but it only works vertically and horizontally. This doesn't help if the line or distance to be measure is sloping.

 

The Digital Caliper from Iconico (http://www.iconico.com/caliper/) can be rotated, but it doesn't appear to actually display the angle. The full specs are at http://www.iconico.com/caliper/specs.aspx

 

You can get a trial version (with very restricted capability) of a protractor (Screen Protractor 4.0) from http://www.iconico.com/protractor/, but as far as I can see, it only measures angles, and not distances along the legs, which makes it less than fully optimal for $USD30.

 

Iconico have a couple of other measuring tools (each $USD30), and a bundled package for $USD75 (Screen Caliper, Screen Protractor and Screen Compass)  (http://www.iconico.com/download.aspx?app=Caliper), but the website is a dog's breakfast, and there doesn't seem to be a link to a spec of what the package actually does or how it is integrated.

 

What I'm after is a single tool which simultaneously measures angles and distances, and I don't see that this is what I get from Iconico for $75. I don't mind paying for software, but I would prefer that it actually does what I want, and as far as I can see, the Iconico package is not fully integrated into a single distance and angle tool, i.e. a protractor with two rotating arms.

 

I realise that various programs have this sort of capability built in, but I want some stand-alone stuff that I can use with anything that appears on the screen. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

 

Cheers, John

 

John Pickard
john.p...@bigpond.com

[Richard Wright]

John

MB-Ruler meets your specifications. It is free for use in a
non-commercial environment, otherwise EUR 14.

http://www.markus-bader.de/MB-Ruler/index.htm

The same company offers the highly sophisticated MB-Ruler Pro -
Perspective. This is the type of software that is used in forensic
investigations. Take a photo at the scene, with a couple of defining
measurements. Then use the photo later to work out distances, angles and
area, i.e. overcoming the perspective errors in ordinary photos. I am
sure it has been used in conventional archaeology, for mapping such
things as surface artefacts. You pay around $400 for this.

There is a link offered at
http://www.markus-bader.de/MB-RulerPro/perspektive.php4

Richard

[John Pickard]

Good afternoon,

 

A couple of people replied to my request for info on a screen ruler and protractor, offering specific code, or a link to software called MB-Ruler http://www.markus-bader.de/MB-Ruler/index.htm. Interestingly, an identical request to another list that I am on also came up with MB-Ruler.

 

I've now had a look at it, and it's exactly what I wanted. Many thanks to all who replied to my original email.

[Richard Wright]

I propose to release a freely distributable package Bodies3D, the software of which runs under Windows.

The software uses surveyed XYZ coordinates (northings, eastings, and elevations) of bodies in graves - 13 points for humans and 18 points for animals. It also caters for incomplete bodies, provided the cranium, shoulders and hips are present.

Text files of stick figures are then generated, which can be rotated on a computer screen.

The original motive behind writing precursors to Bodies3D were forensic - to search for 3D patterning of bodies and skeletons in mass graves.

The current version has a more general use, being suitable for individual bodies or skeletons, and also allowing the portrayal of non-human animals. Associated artefacts can also be displayed as dots of varying size and colour.

Being in pre-release draft state, I am looking for people who would be prepared to experiment with the software, and comment on the notes that accompany it. Demonstration files are included with the package, allowing users to immediately see the scope of the software.

Because there may be bugs in this draft version, it is not yet ready for general release.

If you are interested in reporting back to me on this draft version, then please send me an email. I shall then send you a link for downloading the draft package.

Richard Wright

*********************************************
Richard Wright
72 Campbell Street
Balmain
NSW 2041
Australia

Ph   +61 2 98181037
Mobile 0417 292 582
Alternative Email ric...@cranid.com
*********************************************

[Graham Knuckey]

Gidday Richard

I'd like to be able to assist but I don't get the exposure (no pun intended) to hunting for undisturbed burials. If there is any stage after initial field inspection you need assistance with I'd like to give it a go. Sounds like a wonderful tool.

Sincerely

GrahamK
______________________________
Graham Knuckey PhD
Archaeologist/Palaeoanthropologist
Abel Archaeology

0488 097 916
Dr_G...@me.com
__________________
Psalm 15

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[Richard Wright]

Dear GrahamK,

See separate email for the downloading link.

Not much application in Australia, I agree. But Oxford Archaeology made
stunning use of it at Fromelles, to show how WW1 Diggers were buried.

Regards,

Richard

[Zvonk]

Hi Richard 

I'm currently working in the pilbara and maybe looking at an assemblage - faunal and would be interested in having a trial.

Zvonka Stanin

Sent from my iPhone

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[Richard Wright]

Dear Zvonka,

Sorry about the delay in replying.

You can download the file Bodies3D.ZIP from the following link:

http://www.box.net/shared/static/lpvstj4kz88na1xg92zk.zip

Place the downloaded file in a new directory (e.g. C:\Bodies3D) and unzip it.

To get going, read the notes in the two PDF files that are part of the unzipped package.

I shall welcome any comments you have to make on the draft package and the notes.

Regards,

Richard Wright

[Stephen Corsini]

Hi Richard

I was just going through my old netbook and came across the email you sent to Ozarch in November 2011.

 

What’s the current state of this project, did you release the software?

 

I occasionally do salvage of eroding or accidentally disturbed burial sites in WA, so I would be ken to give it a try?

 

Cheers

Steve Corsini.

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[Richard Wright]

Steve,

Yes, the released version of Bodies3D is alive and well. You can find a
link for downloading at the Smithsonian site

https://osteoware.si.edu/forum/osteoware-communityannouncements/bodies3d-richard-wright-0

I was remiss in not letting the group know.

Richard

[Stephen Corsini]

Super.
I'm currently putting together a proposal for a study of some issues in
applied archaeology, native title heritage anthropology and heritage
protection in WA, with specific reference to unmarked graves, naturally
eroding or accidentally disturbed.

Cheers
SJC

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