Sky’s the Limit When Measuring with New Chief Meridian Live Mapping System

Chief, the leading provider of computerized measuring equipment and vehicle specification data, introduces a Live Mapping™ system that’s more accurate, robust, and easier to use than ever before. Building on decades of measurement experience, Chief engineers designed the state-of-the-art Meridian™ computerized measuring system with the compact new Galileo™ multi-point laser scanner to provide real-time, full-picture measurements of collision-damaged vehicles. 

Unlike many other computerized measuring systems on the market, Chief’s Meridian Live Mapping system can measure up to 45 individual points on a vehicle at the same time, in real time, even while pulling or replacing parts. This gives technicians the ability to watch dimensional changes being made to the vehicle during the repair process without having to start and stop multiple times. 

“The beauty of the new Meridian Live Mapping system lies in its accuracy and versatility. It can be used with a vehicle on a lift in an estimating bay, during blueprinting, or on a rack during collision repair,” says Lee Daugherty, Chief director of collision sales – the Americas. “Every body shop should perform three-dimensional measuring on every vehicle it services, because it’s not always obvious where collision damage occurred. With real-time measuring, you can quickly identify alignment issues, as well as monitor the whole vehicle when adjusting the frame to see how one pull might affect other points and easily course-correct.”

Using the Meridian Live Mapping system allows for faster frame measuring, more accurate estimates and more precise repairs. The Galileo scanner utilizes high-powered laser technology which helps increase measurement length up to five meters, perfect for any sized passenger vehicle on the road today. The geospatial control system makes necessary adjustments to provide precise measurements no matter what direction the scanner is tilted. This out-of-level measuring technology makes the scanner very portable – use it on a two-post lift for blueprinting, and then quickly move it to a frame rack for structural repairs without complicated set-up. 

The scanner also features dual processors for fast real-time data processing, high-tech optical components for accurate readings under any lighting conditions, and a built-in calibration check. This lets technicians confirm for themselves that the scanner is properly calibrated at any time.

The Galileo self-leveling laser scanner features a single-hub design that delivers a 360-degree field of view with improved line of sight. The compact, ergonomic design is constructed from aerospace materials and thermal-resistant technology, along with Gorilla® Glass for added scratch protection that can occur when positioning the scanner, to provide increased durability and long life even in harsh shop environments.

“We’ve put full control and peace of mind in the hands of the shop with this new measuring system,” adds Daugherty. “From the step-by-step guided tutorials about where to hang which targets to the built-in scanner calibration verification process and the ability to print full-color reports of collision damage and final repair measurements, Meridian helps shops increase their estimating and repair accuracy and overall service quality.”

The Meridian Live Mapping system comes standard with the new Galileo laser scanner with out-of-level measuring capabilities, 45 bar-coded reflective hanging targets with a range of bolt, hole and clip attachments, and a portable workstation with dual flat screens, computer and printer, and requires a subscription to Chief’s exclusive Thunderbolt vehicle specifications covering thousands of vehicles. Chief gathers Thunderbolt specs by measuring actual vehicles with the frame anchored and the suspension unloaded in order to provide “real world” accuracy.