In less than 30 years, forensic measurement methods have evolved from using tape measures to total stations, and now 3D laser scanners. So, what is a laser scanner and why should you, as a crime or crash scene investigator, use one? A laser scanner allows an investigator to capture an accurate, 360-degree digital model of a crash or crime scene, in the form of millions of X,Y,Z data points. You can use these data points, called a ”point cloud,“ to create diagrams and obtain exact measurements of anything that was in the laser’s path and review it, years after the scene was scanned.
