Knott Laboratory provides forensic engineering and animation, Civil & Structural, and Fire & Explosion Investigation services to reconstruct accidents.
3D Scanning and Point Clouds
Accurately and effectively document crime and accident scenes
High definition 3D laser scanners can be used to create a “digital twin” of any crime scene, accident scene, structure or vehicle. The scanners create a Point Cloud made up of millions of data points, accurate to a few millimeters. This allows our engineers to accurately analyze evidence such as locations of all parties involved, angles and trajectories, tire marks, debris, vehicle crush, and much more.
Because of the speed and detail at which the data is captured, accident investigators can accurately capture an entire scene or object without having to predetermine what specific data needs to be collected. This enables investigators the ability to reference and analyze all the information throughout the entire accident reconstruction process from start to finish.
As with any forensic tool, there are associated benefits and limitations to 3D laser scanning technology. The many benefits include safety, speed, accuracy, and efficiency. One of the limitations of 3D laser scanners is they cannot be used to collect data points on all types of surfaces and in all conditions. For example, highly reflective and glossy surfaces, as well as dark or highly absorptive surfaces, can make capturing point data difficult.
Finally, the use of 3D laser scanning technology and point clouds also greatly aids the process of creating photo realistic 3D environments, vehicles and other objects, which can improve the overall quality of the information presented in an animation or graphic visualization.
Experts in the Field
View Samples of our Work
What others have to say about our work
T.W., Attorney, Illinois
I wanted to personally thank you for all of your hard work and dedication in helping to get the case successfully resolved. If not for your hard work, your expert opinions and your keen analysis on this case, we would never have been able to settle it for the amount and/or in the time frame in which we did. It was truly a team victory.T.W., Attorney, Illinois
Anonymous
I am a Community Association Manager and have had a few opportunities to work with Knott Labs and each time I could not be more impressed. They are very professional and down to earth, they really take into account their client and want to do what is best for them. When I need an engineer Knott (Cade) is always the first call I make!Anonymous
T.B., Attorney, Massachusetts
[Richard,].. Your assistance in the case has been invaluable. I am very pleased that you were able to rebut the findings of the two State Police officers and the defendants expert. No one else was sharp enough to focus on the oil spill in the photos and it was gone when the State Trooper did his final report.T.B., Attorney, Massachusetts
S.G., Attorney, Missouri
The work you did on the case was outstanding. Prior to going to the mediation, we sent your animation of what occurred to the defendants. I truly believe that your animation allowed the defense to see exactly what happened which, in turn, allowed them to appreciate their liability. Regardless, I think your work was outstanding and want to thank you.S.G., Attorney, Missouri
D.W., Attorney, California
I want to express our continued admiration for the quality of Knott Lab’s work both in accident reconstruction & in the preparation of demonstrative evidence. On the basis of your deposition testimony & the animation of the accident, the defense admitted the negligence of their employee, that it was the direct cause of the plaintiff’s injuries.D.W., Attorney, California