Virtual reality and its transformation in forensic education and research practices

• Published in: Journal of visual communication in medicine Vol. 45; no. 1; pp. 18 - 25
• Main Authors: Jani, Gargi, Johnson, Abraham
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 02.01.2022
• Subjects: 3D scanning; Documentation; Forensic Medicine; forensics; immersive technology; Photogrammetry; Virtual Reality; visualisation; forensics; immersive technology; 3D scanning; Virtual reality; visualisation
• ISSN: 1745-3054; 1745-3062; 1745-3062
• DOI: 10.1080/17453054.2021.1971516

Documentation and evidence analysis are major components in forensic investigation; hence two-dimensional (2D) photographs along with three-dimensional (3D) models and data are used to accomplish this task. Data generated through 3D scanning and photogrammetry are generally visualised on a computer screen. However, spatial details are lost on the visualisation of 3D data on 2D computer screens. Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology that allows a user to visualise 3D information by immersing oneself into the scene. In forensics, VR was particularly introduced for the visualising and plotting distances of crime scenes; however, this technology has wider applications in the field of forensics and for court presentation. This short communication outlines the concept of VR and its potential in the field of forensics.