Teamwork in Outdoor Scene Mapping!

Here are a few photos from our class exercise on processing outdoor crime scenes.

Students teamed up to search for and map evidence using a compass and tape. Even though most outdoor scenes are traditionally mapped using a total station and GPS/GIS software, it is also very important to know how to use low-tech mapping methods when smaller, or remote scenes need to be processed quickly (e.g., threat of being destroyed by weather or development). Experience in basic mapping helps students critically evaluate spatial concepts, but also serves to explain the relationship of all forensically significant material within the scene. Mapping preserves context, which comes in handy when demonstrating the case details to a jury.

A round of applause for my students for keeping their cool when the pressure was on. Who knew collecting data could be so much fun?!?.... these guys :D