RTI Study on 3D Crime Scene Scanning Devices

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MSI
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RTI Study on 3D Crime Scene Scanning Devices

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Jan 2016: RTI (Research Triangle Institute), our neighbor here in NC located in the Research Triangle Park have published through their research arm Forensic Technology Center for Excellence a report on point scanning devices.
They cover 6 laser scanners (see below)
  • Landscape Study on 3D Crime Scene Scanning Devices
    Summary
    • Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has become the gold standard of measurement and is the basis for 3D laser scanning technology used today in multiple disciplines that range from engineering to meteorology to medicine. A growing number of crime scene units recognize the benefits of adopting 3D laser scanning instruments to assist with bloodstain pattern analysis, shooting incident reconstruction, traffic collision data collection, and general crime scene reconstruction. 3D laser scanners offer crime scene units an excellent tool to increase the speed and efficiency of data collection. The instruments provide scientifically accurate data that enable a completely objective analysis and highly credible evidence in a court of law. Data obtained from scans document the entire scene and may provide special evidence first missed as relevant patterns or evidence not obviously visible. This landscape study provides several real-world examples and lessons learned from the implementation of 3D laser scanning instruments. The discussions captured in this study highlight the agencies’ different needs and methods for procurement, training, and implementation. Key questions to ask related to each of these areas are provided
    SUMMARY
    • A growing number of crime scene units recognize the benefits of adopting 3D laser scanning instruments to assist with bloodstain pattern analysis, shooting incident reconstruction, traffic collision data collection, and general crime scene reconstruction. The goal of this landscape study is to provide the reader with a basic understanding of 3D laser scanning instruments as well as their use, benefits, and limitations. This report explores features, adoption considerations, technical support, and training options to provide a basic overview that will assist crime scene and public safety units, crime scene reconstruction specialists, accident investigators, and crime laboratories in the evaluation process to choose the instrument that best meets their needs. The report also provides suggested methodologies for incorporating a 3D scanner workflow to help establish best practices for responding to a crash or crime scene
      3D laser scanners offer crime scene units an excellent tool to increase the speed and efficiency of data collection. While the use of 3D laser scanning instruments in these communities is still relatively new, the technology has seen increased use in applications that include accident analysis and reconstruction and crime scene documentation, such as blood spatter and bullet trajectory analysis. Prices of 3D laser scanning instruments have decreased significantly over the last 10 years and will continue to do so. As prices continue to decline and the legal and public safety benefits of owning these instruments become better known, crime scene units will increasingly rely on the benefits 3D laser scanning technology offers.
point cloud scanners.png
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