Reconstruction of traffic accident scene using close-range photogrammetry technique

Abstract

Police investigators and forensic scientists in Malaysia these days face challenges when documenting traffic accident scenes in obtaining accurate measurements. They are still using the conventional method which is impractical to map the scene due to traffic jam, the environment of the road, unstable flooring, and line of sight issues. By using measuring tape, this method is often inaccurate for 3D data, as well as even 2D mapping tasks. Furthermore, they only depend on the rough sketch which is difficult when it comes to retrieve the data. Once the accident scene investigation is cleared out, there is seldom a chance to go back for other ?missed? evidence data, without the evidence being possibly compromised. The application of close range photogrammetry is implemented in this study to overcome the problem by using calibrated digital SLR camera SONY DSC F828 (3264 x 2448 pixel). The collision scene which is located in UTM is captured and imported into iWitness software afterwards to measure accurately the physical evidence data without contaminating them (non-contact measurement). Subsequently, Crash Zone software is used to generate 3D model of the crash scene. The outcome of the research are 2D plan and 3D model showing how the situation occurred. This product can be analyzed by law enforcement, insurance agency, and can be as evidence in court litigation as well.