EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF GEOSPATIAL VIRTUAL REALITY IN FORENSIC CSI: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

This paper presents a discussion on the applicability of geospatial data sources such as laser scanners and photogrammetry integrated with VR so that crime scene investigation (CSI) can be improved in data management, time consumption, and user experience. CSI is a part of forensic science where physical measurement and evidence consist of objects connecting to the case are recorded in the crime scene. Traditionally, the method of acquiring information on the crime scene is using hand sketching and 2D photography. Even 3D models are used, but the display on the screen does not support full information of the data, making the presentation of the data visually limited. Geospatial method has the advantage of 3D information that is able to digitally measure dimensions and volumetric properties of physical objects. The geospatial surveying such as laser scanning, and photogrammetry can be used to preserve the evidence by recording the physical crime scene in the digital world. The scanning world known as point clouds are essentially used to calculate the angle, distance and dimensions, area, volume, and speed of objects as well. The point clouds can be optimised into virtual reality (VR) with realistic textured details making the user experience more intuitive.