Handheld stereo photogrammetry applied to crime scene analysis

Abstract

This paper presents a promising handheld and non-invasive approach based on stereo-photogrammetry for crime scene documentation, reconstruction, and analysis. Specifically, the performance of a handheld stereo image device has been assessed to conduct three-dimensional analysis of crime scenes. To demonstrate the potential of this approach in this field, a crime scene was simulated and virtually reconstructed using the handheld stereo image device and a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS). After processing the required data, a metric analysis from both data sources (based on distances, areas, and angles extracted) was performed, compared, and evaluated using robust statistical analyses. From this research, it can be concluded that handheld stereo-photogrammetry allows the metric analysis of crime scenes to be carried out with sufficient precision. A maximum linear error of 8 mm and angular error of 3.6° was obtained, which positions this technology as promising for reconstructing of this type of complex scenes.