Graphics play a major role in providing qualitative and quantitative information of complex crash and crime scenes.
As a result, it is important that investigators get precise and accurate results to show forensic evidence during legal proceedings.
Three ways to look at it is using the XYZ plot – in relation to 3D. X and Y represent 2 dimensioning while Z adds a third dimension vertically.
XYZ here is used as a descriptor to understand that a pretty good job can be done with X and Y on a flat plane, but adding Z introduces a human factor of understanding.
Z here can help investigators get some depth and more detail to help understand crime and crash situations and get exact measurements.
Looking at X – possibly along the X-axis – where the standard could be set, this will mean measuring everything by hand, doing a tape measurement, document with a sketch, and using notes to describe everything you find at a location.
Depending on the scene, evidence could be a body, showcasing from a shooting, skid marks at a crash scene, or just about any other crucial piece.
Not only could comprehending all of this information proves tough, transferring them to others can be especially tricky.
So, in this sense, X is simply flat.
While you’ve got pictures, sketches, and measurements, you would have to sort out this information and comprehend it. And transferring all of that information to someone else is really not easy. On the other hand, however, we have the Y-axis.
When it comes to the Y-axis, we want to achieve better results and improve things. This would mean looking at various instruments that can help you achieve that; the total station is one such instrument.
However, while the total station is more precise and gives us measurements in 3D, getting results through it is still time-consuming. This is why it makes sense that investigators in crash and crime scenes go vertical – in the Z direction.
Enter 3D scanners.
3D scanners help investigators get that precise and vertical measurement. This way, they can present crime or crash scene information in a digital format where it can be looked at multiple times after the incident.
Being able to access crime or crash scene information in its precise and original form means you can virtually recreate a scene and facilitate your research tasks since you can easily simulate and recreate facts.
3D scanners also have 360-degree photography that provides a complete visual representation of what took place on a scene.
So, the Z-direction allows investigators to present their case in a precise and accurate manner to jurors – it is easy to get the perspective of a shooter, suspect, officer, and witnesses – and ensure better results during adjudication processes.
