When a road traffic collision occurs, the immediate priority for police and emergency services is the preservation of life. Once casualties are cared for, attention turns to preserving and documenting the scene. This is an essential step for future analysis, investigation, and potential prosecution. At the same time, there is significant pressure to collect this evidence both thoroughly and swiftly, in order to reopen the road and minimise disruption to the public.
Golden Hour
In UK policing, crash scene analysis plays a vital role in investigating fatal and serious injury collisions. The process begins with securing the scene to prevent contamination of evidence, followed by a structured investigation led by a Roads Policing (RP) lead investigator. This includes detailed documentation, forensic collision analysis, and the collection of physical evidence such as vehicle damage, tyre marks, debris fields, and environmental conditions. Officers work within the “golden hour” principle. Gathering time-sensitive evidence before it degrades or is lost.
Significant Reduction in Time
Technology is now playing a transformative role in this process. One such innovation is PIX4Dcatch, a mobile application that allows officers to rapidly capture high-resolution 3D models of crash scenes using a smartphone or tablet. This significantly reduces the time required to document critical spatial details such as vehicle positions, skid marks, and road features. When used in RTK mode with a GNSS receiver like the Emlid Reach RX, the data is georeferenced with centimetre-level accuracy, ensuring it meets evidential standards for court.
Benefits
The benefits of using PIX4D extend beyond the scene itself. The 3D model created with PIX4Dcatch can be used to aid off-scene vehicle reconstruction, while also allowing investigators to revisit the digital twin of the crash site long after it has been cleared. This enables precise measurements, trajectory analysis, and visibility assessments without needing to return to the location.
Data Security
To maintain data security and ensure sensitive evidence remains within police systems, the captured data can be processed entirely offline using PIX4Dmatic. After collection, officers can export the dataset directly from the mobile device. Transferring it securely to a police-controlled workstation. PIX4Dmatic, installed on this secure system, processes the data locally to generate high-resolution 3D outputs such as point clouds, orthomosaics, and mesh models. This approach preserves the chain of custody, prevents unauthorised access, and aligns with UK policing standards for handling evidential material.
Together, PIX4Dcatch and PIX4Dmatic offer a powerful, secure, and efficient solution for modern crash scene analysis. They enhance the speed, accuracy, and integrity of investigations while supporting the broader goals of road safety and justice.
Discuss your Requirement
If you’re interested in learning more about how PIX4Dcatch and PIX4Dmatic can support your crash scene investigations, we’d be happy to help. Get in touch with us to book a meeting and discuss how our solutions can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your policing team. Whether you’re looking to improve evidence collection, streamline reconstruction workflows, or enhance courtroom presentations, our team is ready to support you every step of the way.
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