The next dimension: Detectives and crime scene investigators are using 3D tech to bring crime scenes to life. Since visual documentation is considered one of the most important types of evidence presented to a jury, the details of a diagram—or lack of them—can dramatically impact a jury’s perception of the chronology and probable events surrounding the crime, which can ultimately impact the verdict. Fire and Crime Scene Software. Chief Architect's software is one of the best 3D home design software products available. Investigators can use this same technology for fire and crime scene analysis. Create 3D views and virtual tours of any scene – helpful for investigation, analysis and courtroom exhibits.
Crime scene sketches must be presented to courtroom attorneys and jurors in a format suitable for the court. Small, messy paper sketches just don't 'do it.' The sketch that the investigator makes, the notes, etc. must all be made into a presentable report for the courtroom. Typically, that involves a poster board-sized print (like 2' x 3' or so) done with professional quality printers and computer software such as CAD (Computer Assisted Design) and other types of software.
Students will apply their knowledge of the CAD system of choice at the school to create a report (merely a letter-sized picture 8 1/2' x 11' for now, but the instructor could expand that to poster-sized if such plotters/printers are available).
Crime Scene Sketch Software
The software suggested herein is 'Google Sketchup'. This is free software. There is a 'Pro' version for about $500 but the free 'Sketchup Make' version is fine for our purposes. There are a plethora of other CAD programs available for $1,000s. That's why Sketchup is chosen here. There are other CAD programs specifically made for crime scene investigation and reporting, but all with a huge price tag.
Free Crime Scene Sketch
This lesson will not cover how to use the CAD software. We assume that the teacher/student already have knowledge of using the CAD software of choice. This is an application lesson. We are applying the use of CAD for reporting and investigating a crime scene.