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H2020Individual fellowship2017–2019

Dig-For-Arch · Digital Forensic Archaeology

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2017-03-01 → 2019-02-28
EU contribution
€183,455
Participants
1
Scheme
MSCA-IF-EF-ST

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Results in brief

Digital Forensic Archaeology

The Dig For-Arch project has developed and applied state-of-the-art and innovative 5D, 4D and 3D digital recording methods for use by forensic archaeologists and crime scene investigators, drawing on a variety of disciplinary approaches. To do so, the project objectives were: To identify the ways in which existing digital recording methods and modelling techniques can be adopted or hybridised for use at crime scenes; To develop new forms of digital recording and modelling techniques in response to challenges identified that cannot be solved by the adaptation of existing techniques; To implement and test the these methods at a range of case study sites where domestic crimes and genocide have occurred; To develop and implement protocols and training for forensic archaeologists and crime science professionals throughout Europe. The project has resulted in the development and application of novel digital techniques resulting from case-study-based research in the UK, Cyprus, Poland and Ukraine. State-of-the-art techniques for searching for and documenting buried remains, identifying contaminated crime scenes, visualising complex crime scenes and digitally displaying forensic evidence have been created. Through an associated programme of training and support for specialists and professionals working in the area, and via publication, the project has set new standards in the investigation and re-presentation of crime scenes which can be implemented across Europe.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

The examination of physical evidence and the environment in which it is found remains pivotal in the investigation of crime. There has also been a greater appreciation in recent years of the role of archaeologists in forensic contexts where buried or concealed evidence exists. However, recording techniques in forensic archaeological work, and in crime scene investigation in general, essentially remain focused on traditional means of documenting, sketching and photographing environments. These techniques can be laborious and they do not provide data outputs suitable for presentation in Court to non-experts. A number of novel, digital non-invasive methods which have the potential to increase search efficiency and accuracy, permit access to difficult and/or dangerous environments, create a more accurate record of buried or concealed evidence and provide more effective means of presenting evidence in Court. In order to develop and apply novel digital recording methods and 5D, 4D and 3D modelling techniques for use by forensic archaeologists and crime scene investigators, the Dig For-Arch project is proposed. This project will aim to change the way in which buried and concealed evidence is analysed at crime scenes through these new techniques and through an associated programme of training and support for specialists and professionals working in this area. The Dig For-Arch project will offer the opportunity for the Experienced Researcher to engage in a new field of study (forensic science and forensic archaeology), thus diversifying his portfolio of work and offering new trajectories for his future career. The new field in which he will be working will benefit from his extensive expertise developed in other areas and from the cross-sector/cross-disciplinary expertise of the wider project group. Little has been published on digital recording of crime scenes and therefore the creation of new protocols tested in the field is highly recommended.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

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Data: CORDIS, © European Union