Using RAPID

Before filling out the RAPID Equipment Request Form, users should:

• Read the RAPID Site User’s Manual

• Review equipment list and specifications

• Review the RAPID User Agreement

• Review the RAPID User Rates and Fees

• Verify the user has liability insurance (for example, UW employees have general liability insurance when performing university duties [including research] as described here)

• Participate in RAPID user training (recommended but not required)

Users should then prepare answers for the following questions as they appear on the RAPID Equipment Request Form:

• Is the project funded or is it in the proposal stage?

• The RAPID charges user rates and fees to support its operations, which are partially subsidized by NSF. These rates and fees should be included in project budgets. 

• It is recommended that the RAPID Equipment Request Form be submitted and a discussion between the user and RAPID staff occur, prior to the user submitting a research proposal to use the RAPID equipment to a funding agency.

• What equipment are you requesting?

• At the stage of submitting the Equipment Request Form users should know the general categories of equipment they are requesting and be able to discuss the data they would like to collect. Following form submission the RAPID staff can assist with selection of specific equipment during discussions between the RAPID and the user.

• Do you know how to use the equipment you want?

• Users will be asked to describe their experience with the equipment they are requesting and whether they have attended RAPID user training workshops. Note that UAVs require a remote pilot certificate to operate.

• Will you need field assistance from RAPID staff (required for certain equipment)?

• RAPID staff can assist with data collection in the field. There are additional user fees associated with this. The miniRanger (lidar equipped UAV) and the Z-Boat (unmanned watercraft equipped with single-beam sonar) require RAPID staff to operate.

• Will you need assistance processing the data (especially lidar data and development of point cloud models)?

• The RAPID Facility offers high-speed data processing computers specifically built for processing lidar point cloud data and building structure-from-motion (SfM) models. They can also provide access to the CAVE and laptops. RAPID staff can also assist with processing for an additional fee.

• Do you need training on specific equipment prior to deployment?

• The RAPID can, in some instances, provide training on specific equipment prior to deployment, depending on staff availability.

Once users have considered the above, the RAPID equipment form can be completed and submitted. The form is brief and takes no longer than 5 to 10 minutes to complete. The RAPID staff will contact the user within two business days of form submission (often much faster). The user and the RAPID staff will then begin discussing:

• The user’s equipment and staff needs

• User’s experience with the equipment and any training requested or required

• Schedule for the equipment

• User rates and preparation of a quote for the requested equipment and services

• Shipping logistics (how and where the user will receive the equipment)

• User Agreement completion, including providing identification, credit card information and verifying liability insurance

• Setting up RApp, the RAPID’s custom developed reconnaissance software

Once the RAPID and user complete a User Agreement, the equipment will be reserved and that reservation will be forwarded to the Network Coordination Office. They will update the equipment schedule that other potential RAPID users will see.

DesignSafe provides the login credentials (username & password) for RApp. In order to use RApp you will need a DesignSafe account. If you do not have a DesignSafe account you can register for a new account on the DesignSafe account registration page.

In order for RApp to automatically save data to DesignSafe, you will need to have at least one project that you have access to in your Data Depot on DesignSafe. To create a project, first log in to DesignSafe. Then, click the “Research Workbench” menu at the top left of the screen and select the “Data Depot” item. Next, select “My Projects” from the left menu panel. Finally, click the “Add” button. If you wish to use a project that someone else created, you will need to have them add you as an authorized user of that project.

More information about using RApp

General Shipping Considerations

The RAPID will arrange the shipping of RAPID equipment. Shipping logistics are a critical part of the discussions between users and RAPID following the submission of the Equipment Request Form. Users may receive RAPID equipment by the following methods:

• Shipping to the user’s home institution/location prior to deployment

• Shipping to a field location for users to receive

• Users can pick-up equipment from the RAPID headquarters at UW (this may be convenient if personalized training prior to deployment is desired)

• RAPID staff may meet users with the equipment in the field

• Users may receive a hand-off from another previously deployed reconnaissance team

Shipping Costs

The RAPID has limited funds available for shipping equipment and users are generally responsible for shipping costs. The RAPID is negotiating contracts with a shipping agent that can be used and has the advantage of the shipping agent being familiar with the equipment and its shipping requirements. 

Special Shipping Considerations for Batteries

All batteries for all RAPID equipment are small enough to be carried as carry-on baggage on most domestic commercial airline flights. Users should verify that batteries for the equipment they are deploying with are acceptable on international flights. If shipped, most batteries can be shipped by air on cargo planes, but otherwise would have to be shipped ground or freight. The RAPID staff can provide battery details for the requested equipment.

Special International Shipping Considerations 

The RAPID will help users with import/export controls. The use of carnets is encouraged as these provide some measure of security when carrying equipment overseas. The RAPID can assist with obtaining carnets but they typically require a lead time of at least one week. In the future, the RAPID may maintain carnets for RAPID equipment that would be transferrable to users. Inquire with the RAPID staff for more information.

RAPID equipment may be returned via the same methods outlined in receiving RAPID equipment. Returning the equipment will be a critical part of the discussions between users and the RAPID following the submission of the Equipment Request Form. Users are generally responsible for shipping costs to return RAPID equipment

The RAPID maintains insurance on all facility equipment that covers equipment loss and damage under approved use by RAPID staff and facility users. RAPID users who will operate RAPID equipment themselves are required to verify and demonstrate that they carry general liability insurance for damages to people and property resulting from RAPID equipment use with a minimum value of one million US dollars. Most academic institutions and employers maintain such liability insurance for their employees when performing university duties or employee activities, including research activities. You should check with your university or employer to see what general liability they carry for their employees and researchers

In cases of scheduling conflicts, a priority matrix is consulted to determine precedence for competing equipment requests. The highest priority is given to NSF-supported users responding promptly to critical natural hazards such as windstorms, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides.

Matrix establishing priorities for scheduling conflicts for RAPID equipment and resources