Discover how 3D data capture has made crash scene investigation more efficient, safer and more accurate

Crash scene investigators and reconstructionists need quick, safe data collection and unquestionable analysis. Advanced 3D technology solutions offer the information needed without complexity or compromise.
Crash Investigation Guide

3D technology solutions can help you more efficiently document crash scenes and deliver more precise and accurate information, creating a win for your agency, the prosecutor’s office, and the victim.

Download to learn:

  • How 3D solutions help you perform your job quicker and more accurately throughout every step of the crash scene investigation process.
  • The features and benefits of FARO 3D laser scanners and crash reconstruction software.
  • The best applications for specific tools and solutions.
  • Real-life experiences from crash scene investigators who have switched to FARO 3D solutions.
  • Resources you can use to fund 3D technology for your agency or department.

Download the Guide

How 3D Technology Improves a Crash Scene Investigation Workflow

3D mapping solutions simplify every step of crash reconstruction and investigation – from the crash site to presenting evidence in the courtroom – all while delivering incredibly precise, realistic results.

See the side-by-side comparison

 

  • 1. Evaluate & Capture On-Scene Evidence
     Car Crash Scene 

    Today:

    Spend hours capturing the scene using slower manual methods. Leave more room for human error and keep officers on scene for longer in risky roadside locations.

    Laser Scan Crash Scene

    With 3D Tools:

    Quickly and accurately capture the entire crash scene, from the overview to up-close documentation of vehicle damage, using a FARO® Focus Laser Scanner and/or a handheld mapping unit.

    With the FARO Focus 3D Laser Scanner, you can capture millions data points per second.


  • 2. Prepare Data for Analysis
     Manage files

    Today:

    Manually archive the data collected at the scene from different sources, including all hand measurements, notes and photographs.

    Analyze Crash Scene Data

    With 3D Tools

    Maintain the integrity of the data and archive it as soon as you’re done scanning the scene. Because 3D scans capture every detail, it’s easy to go back and look at evidence that may not be deemed important until later in the investigation.


  • 3. Process and Manage Data
     Capture digital crash scene data 

    Today:

    Log and/or process the data you’ve captured from various sources manually, or with clunky 3D tools that fail to capture the complexity of crash investigation.

    Download Crash Data

    With 3D Tools

    Merge the data to create compelling deliverables utilizing the power of the FARO® SCENE Software. Add measurements and annotations, along with additional scene images, videos and reports to accurately depict the full scene.

    Import data into FARO® Zone 3D Software from any laser scanner to take advantage of the full 3D environment you’ve captured to create vivid, realistic and immersive diagrams.


  • 4. Analyze Data and Create Diagrams
     Analyzing Crash Data 

    Today:

    Manually create diagrams and stitch together photographs, individual measurements and other 2D evidence to try and create a complete picture of the crash scene.

    Crash Scene

    With 3D Tools

    Analyze and show every angle of the scene with:

    • • Crash animations based on EDR or evidence captured in scan data
    • • Scaled diagrams
    • • Accurate views or videos from the witness or driver’s perspective
  • 5. Prepare Documents for Trial
     Crash Scene Documentation  Today:

    • • Photographs
    • • 2D diagrams
    • • Total Station models

     

    Crash Data Digital Capture

    With 3D Tools

    Compiling the substantive trial package…

    • • Detailed digital reports
    • • 2D diagrams
    • • Fly-through videos
    • • 3D animations
    • • Drone imagery

    • "We wanted to make sure that the person viewing the data can understand what we’re saying by showing them the pictures we’re showing them. And when you compare the total station to a scanner, there’s no competition there."
      Pete Davey, Managing Director at Viewpoint Investigative Services, Ltd

     


  • 6. Prepare & Present Evidence
     Crash Evidence 

    Today:

    Compile evidence using photographs, 2D diagrams and other evidence that juries may not understand or be able to clearly visualize.

    Crash Scene Recreation

    With 3D Tools

    Provide realistic deliverables that paint a vivid recreation of the scene – so accurate and detailed that users report it has significantly decreased the likelihood their cases will even go to trial.


It would take up to six investigators four to six hours to manually document 200 points, and the only thing we would have to show the prosecutor was a two-dimensional crash diagram. Now I’m capturing absolutely everything the laser scanner can see, and we’re capturing thousands of data points per second—indoors or outdoors.
Lt. Mike Young
Kearney Police Department, Nebraska
CASE STUDY

How 3D Laser Scanners are improving crash reconstruction

United Kingdom Collision Investigator Specialist Describes How the Switch to Laser Scanners Has Improved the Accuracy of Road Incident Reconstruction
Case Study

Agency chooses 3D Laser Scanner to replace manual scene documentation

Learn how a small police department adopted the Focus Laser Scanner to swiftly captures scenes and provide 3D diagrams from the scanning technolo…
Article

Laser Scanning Documents Singapore Fatal Collision Scenes

3D laser scanning technology has enabled a faster, safer and more accurate virtual rendering of collision scenes
Article

8 ways police departments can fund 3D scanners

With challenges and high demands of law enforcement, technology such as 3D scanning has become a necessity for many agencies. 3D scanners can pro…

Ready to improve your crash scene investigations?

Our free guide explains how 3D technology is the key to accurately and effectively documenting, reconstructing and analyzing crash scene data. Download it now to get started.
Our free guide explains how 3D technology is the key to accurately and effectively documenting, reconstructing and analyzing crash scene data. Download it now to get started.

Subscribers can revoke their consent at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link, which is included at the bottom of each email notification. We take your privacy seriously. To learn more about how FARO processes your personal data, please visit our Privacy Policy.

By clicking submit you agree to receiving a response to your request by FARO or one if its official partners/distributors.