Automated panoramic imaging is a fundamentally new approach for crime scene documentation and analyses. By utilizing newest technologies we are today capable of visually preserving a crime scene within a few minutes in its original state.  With the appropriate software tools even lay user can transfer a site of interest into the “Virtual Reality” for later presentation and evaluation. Modern robotics and image processing technologies have reduced the (sometimes) cumbersome process of photographic documentation and post-production work to the “push of a button”. 

Automated Crime Scene Imaging is offering a number of significant advantages:

• Directly after arrival and with only minimal intrusion a Scene of Crime is photographically captured and preserved in its primary state within minutes.
• Third parties who are not required on site may be granted access to a crime scene in the virtual reality. This strategy minimizes risks of contamination and unintentional manipulations.
• A virtual crime scene may be extended with a few clicks to a meaningful digital case file by adding relevant digital assets.
• Case related questions appearing after clearing the crime scene can be clarified in the virtual copy of the original site of crime.
• A photorealistic tour through a scene of crime provides excellent illustrative material for judges, prosecutors, lawyers and other persons involved down the line in the investigative process or lawsuit.

 
 
The scope of applications for Virtual Reality Tours is not limited to crime scene work. Other applications in the Policing area are:

• Case and event presentations in team meetings
• Case discussions and analyses
• Emergency planning, e.g. for major public events
• Intra- and inter-divisional operational planning meetings
• Visual documentation and management of events and locations
• Education and training