This thesis explores how Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology has been adapted for forensic science and reconstruction work. Although the technology first emerged in the 1960s within aerospace and military programs, its forensic applications did not gain momentum until several decades later. By the early 2000s, investigators had begun to use LiDAR for tasks such as documenting complex crime scenes, assisting with accident reconstruction, and even locating clandestine graves. In this study, I trace the historical development of LiDAR within forensic practice, highlight a number of pioneering projects, and assess its effectiveness through detailed case studies.
The literature review traces several milestones in how LiDAR has been incorporated into forensic workflows, with particular attention to its role in producing accurate, objective, and non-invasive 3D records of complex environments. Researchers have applied the technology in a wide range of contexts in the field; for example, crime scene reconstruction and ballistic trajectory mapping as well as accident investigations, fire and arson analysis, and even forensic anthropology. It has also been employed in more specialized areas such as search and rescue operations and counter-terrorism work. Taken together, these studies illustrate just how versatile LiDAR has become in supporting modern forensic practice.
The analysis also weighs the challenges and limitations of LiDAR, such as its high costs, the need for specialist training, and the influence of environmental conditions. Even with these obstacles, the research points to several promising directions for future development, including the use of LiDAR alongside artificial intelligence and drone-based scanning. These innovations could make the technology more automated, portable, and analytically powerful. These are the qualities that are seen as valuable in forensic investigation. At the same time, the thesis stresses the importance of developing clear standards and legal guidelines so that LiDAR evidence remains consistent, admissible, and ethically applied.
Furthermore, the thesis argues that LiDAR has the potential to transform forensic science by bridging traditional documentation methods with modern digital approaches. Its ability to capture precise, reliable, and reproducible data not only strengthens investigations but also enhances how evidence is presented in court. For these reasons, LiDAR is emerging as a cornerstone technology for the future of forensic practice.
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