Analytical Applications of 3-D imaging in Vehicle Accident Studies

Three dimensional computer imaging and animation have been widely used in industrial design. The use of computer imaging and animation for illustration in the court room has been widely recognized. Three dimensional computer animation also has analytical uses that apply to the accident reconstruction field. It can be used to evaluate visibility, timing of complex motions and is helpful in correlating vehicle damage to ground strikes. Used in concert with photogrammetry, 3D imaging can be very useful in determining the positions of objects pictured at the accident scene.