The technologies of laser scanning and structured blue light scanning applied to criminal investigation: case studies

The use of non-destructive methods guaranteeing high standards of accuracy, speed, simplicity of use, and low costs may be crucial during judicial inspection aimed to reconstruct the spatial arrangement of crime scenes. Three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning and structured blue light scanning are two modern and advanced technologies widely used in many sectors of the sciences, included forensic sciences. Limiting itself to forensic applications, these technologies may be successfully used for acquiring point clouds in 3D space and reconstruct 3D virtual models of large-, medium-, and small-scale forensic scenarios. These two technologies were applied for reconstructing 3D virtual models from real crime scenes and geological evidence, respectively. Different investigative places and items were investigated and discussed. The research evidenced the advantages of using these modern techniques in order to assist investigators in: i) providing 3D virtual models for reconstructing even complex crime scenes occurred outdoor; ii) reconstructing of the dynamics of events, and iii) individuating possible interactions between the actors of the scene and the surrounding places.