Use of Photogrammetry for Investigation of Traffic Incident Scenes (4907-2)

This task examined how the Texas Department of Transportation and police agencies might use photogrammetry to assist in the clearing of major incident scenes. Using the literature and surveys of police agencies currently using photogrammetry, the research team learned some basic information about the technology and theory behind photogrammetry and its application in the field. This letter report documents the findings of this literature, provides some basic information on photogrammetry, and documents its applications by several police agencies throughout the United States and the world. The researchers learned that, for the most part, the use of photogrammetry in incidents is still largely in the testing phase. Preliminary and anecdotal results from interviews with law enforcement agencies are that photogrammetry is cost-effective (compared to a Total Station) as long as the necessary training for basic proficiency is provided. Some drawbacks to photogrammetry include more processing time by officers in the office, difficulty photographing long scenes, and difficulty seeing skid marks and other evidence at the scene without enhancing the scene photos.