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Single-image rectification technique in forensic science
Higinio González-Jorge1, Iván Puente, Pablo Eguía
1Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering, University of Vigo, Vigo, 36310, Spain.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|February 22, 2013
Summary
Low-cost photogrammetry aids forensic documentation of Spanish Civil War graves. Techniques involving single-image rectification offer accurate measurements, with one method showing less than 6% error.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Archaeology
- Photogrammetry
Background:
- Documenting mass graves from the Spanish Civil War is crucial for historical and forensic purposes.
- Traditional methods can be costly and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate two low-cost photogrammetric techniques for basic forensic documentation.
- To compare the accuracy of these techniques against a laser scanner system.
Main Methods:
- Single-image rectification techniques were applied to correct lens distortions.
- A camera was positioned using a 5m pole and a linear actuation device.
- Measurements were validated against a RIEGL LMS-Z390i laser scanner.
Main Results:
- The pole-mounted camera technique yielded measurement errors under 6%.
- The linearly actuated device resulted in higher errors (8-14%) due to uneven surface positioning.
- Both techniques demonstrated potential for low-cost forensic documentation.
Conclusions:
- Low-cost photogrammetry, particularly single-image rectification with a pole-mounted camera, is a viable method for documenting mass graves.
- Careful consideration of camera positioning and surface evenness is essential for accuracy.
- These methods offer accessible tools for forensic archaeology in resource-limited settings.
