Craniofacial photographic superimposition: New developments

Abstract

Craniofacial superimposition is a technique used in the field of forensic anthropology to assist in the analysis of an unknown skull. The process involves superimposing an image of the recovered skull over an ante mortem image of the suspected individual. In the past two decades, there has been a decline in the application due to the development of molecular analysis as a more precise and accurate identification technique. Despite its decrease in use, there has been significant development in superimposition techniques in the past five years, specifically to standardize procedures. One project, MEPROCS (The New Methodologies and Protocols of Forensic Identification by Craniofacial Superimposition), has attempted to establish a framework for solving the problems of past superimposition techniques. Future researchers should consider integrating information gleaned from clinical practices with the statistical and technical advances of craniofacial superimposition for better facilitating its use in forensic anthropology.