On May 1st, a vehicle ran off the road and overturned in the Aljarafe area (Seville), leaving only one person with minor injuries. Although the incident was not serious, from a forensic point of view it represents an ideal case for applying three-dimensional documentation techniques. We analyze how photogrammetry and laser scanning would allow reconstructing the dynamics of the accident, from the trajectory to the moment of the rollover, for use in technical or judicial reports. 🚗💨
Applied scanning and photogrammetry methodology 📐
To document the scene, a high-precision terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) would be used to capture the geometry of the roadway, skid marks, and the final position of the vehicle. Additionally, a photogrammetric survey would be carried out with drones, taking zenithal and oblique aerial images to generate a dense point cloud. With this data, the car's trajectory before the rollover is modeled, calculating the speed through analysis of body deformation and drag marks on the asphalt. The 3D simulation of the rollover, based on physical parameters such as the center of gravity and the coefficient of friction, allows visualizing the exact moment of loss of control.
Expert value of 3D simulation ⚖️
The digital reconstruction not only offers a clear visual representation for reports, but also allows contrasting hypotheses about the causes of the accident, such as excessive speed or a maneuver error. In this case, the minor rollover could be due to a sharp turn on a surface with gravel or a blowout. The 3D simulation, accompanied by precise metric data, provides solidity to expert conclusions, reducing uncertainty in judicial processes or insurance claims. 3D technology is consolidating as an indispensable tool for road safety.
What is the technical process to reconstruct in 3D the dynamics of a minor vehicle rollover, such as the one that occurred in Aljarafe, from scene data and how is the accuracy of that forensic simulation validated?
(PS: In scene analysis, every scale witness is a small anonymous hero.)