Abstract:
Crime scenes are often short lived and the opportunities must not be lost in acquiring
sufficient information before the scene is disturbed. With the growth in information
technology (IT) in many other scientific fields, there are also substantial opportunities
for IT in the area of forensic science. The thesis sought to explore means by which IT
can assist and benefit the ways that forensic information can be illustrated and
elucidated in a logical manner. The central research hypothesis considers that through
the utilisation of low cost IT, the visual presentation of information will be of
significant benefit to forensic science in particular for the recoding of crime scenes and
its presentation in court.
The research hypothesis was addressed by first exploring the current crime scene
documentation techniques; their strengths and weaknesses, giving indication to the
possible niche that technology could occupy within forensic science. The underlying
principles of panoramic technology were examined, highlighting its ability to express
spatial information efficiently. Through literature review and case studies, the current
status of the technology within the forensic community and courtrooms was also
explored to gauge its possible acceptance as a forensic tool.
This led to the construction of a low cost semi-automated imaging system capable of
capturing the necessary images for the formation of a panorama. This provides the
ability to pan around; effectively placing the viewer at the crime scene. Evaluation and
analysis involving forensic personnel was performed to assess the capabilities and
effectiveness of the imaging system as a forensic tool. The imaging system was found
to enhance the repertoire of techniques available for crime scene documentation;
possessing sufficient capabilities and benefits to warrant its use within the area of forensics, thereby supporting the central hypothesis.
