Usage of Micro UAV for Forensic Photogrammetry

Abstract

In recent years, Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has been utilized in numerous fields of activities. It is particularly useful in land-use projects where time and cost are critical to its viability. In the field of forensic science, the application of photogrammetry is crucial in the 3-Dimensional (3D) reconstruction of a crime scene where the details in distance, position and perspective are key elements of the model which provide aid to the forensic team or investigators, lawyers and insurance adjusters.  Conventionally, the usage of digital camera such as Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) in forensic photogrammetry pose setbacks as the crime scene has the risk of being tempered whilst images of the site are being captured. By launching Micro UAV at a crime scene, the site is preserved whilst the evidence is being captured. This will ensure the integrity of the evidence is maintained even long after the on-scene investigation has concluded. This data is valuable since it may take months for an investigator to re-examine a scene and find a new piece of important evidence. The methodology of this study is to collect data on a simulated crime scene, particularly in a constraint area using Micro UAV and process the data using photogrammetry software which will produce a 3D model point cloud. The data will then be compared against data produced using Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) as the primary comparison and Vernier Calliper (VC). The result shows that the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of Micro UAV against TLS is ±1.698mm. In conclusion, it is feasible to use Micro UAV for forensic photogrammetry in a constrained crime scene and produce a high-accuracy 3D model point cloud.