3d modeling faqs
How do we use 3D modeling for traffic accident reconstruction?
Traffic accident reconstruction is a combination of expertise and state-of-the-art technology to learn the truth about a vehicle collision. But how does 3D modeling factor in? Join the drone experts at SV Aerial & Consulting as we answer the most frequently asked questions.
Why do I need a model? I have an accident diagram on the report.
Accident reports and diagrams generally have basic information organized in a 2 dimensional drawing. Our 3D models give a different perspective, more details, and the ability to further the investigation to build your case.
Do I need photogrammetry? I already have a laser scan of the scene.
Laser scans of the scene are a great tool for building a point cloud for investigation. Our 3D models from photogrammetry can also produce a point cloud. Additionally, photogrammetry can provide color and photos to every point in the point cloud. This can be very helpful for showing small details that can be very important material facts to the case. If you already have a laser scan, SV Aerial can combine those points with our photogrammetry to create an extremely accurate and realistic color model for court presentation.
My case was 3 years ago and the markings of the traffic accident are not visible anymore. Is a 3D model still an option?
Yes, we can still model a scene, even if the traffic accident markings are not visible. We will rely on pictures and measurements of the reporting law enforcement agency to help identify the scene. SV Aerial can incorporate any measurements from the vehicle accident into our model to create accuracy for animation, gather measurements, and further analysis and investigation to build your case.
There has been road construction at the scene since my accident. The roadway and surroundings are now different. What can be done?
SV Aerial has to examine this on a case by case basis to determine the extent of the changes and what we can do to help the investigation.
How much time is necessary for creating a model of the scene?
Again, this is on a case by case basis. Generally our drone experts can fly the scene and have preliminary processing done within a week; however, there are a lot of variables involved. If the weather is not conducive to flying this process may be delayed. If the traffic accident happened during the summer, but your investigation is during the winter, we may need to wait until weather conditions improve to fly and make a model of the scene. Any snow cover is going to greatly reduce the accuracy of a model.
We will also want to consider what the surroundings were at the time of the accident. For example, if the leaves on the trees influenced the visibility of drivers during the collision, we may want to fly the scene during a time when the trees are in full canopy to give an accurate portrayal of the scene at the time of the accident.
The vehicles involved in the traffic accident have been towed to a salvage yard. Can you still model the involved vehicles away from the scene?
Yes, if we know the location of the vehicles involved we can model the vehicles away from the scene of the traffic accident. However, there may be some variables to the exact condition of the vehicles that will need to be evaluated on a case by case basis.
No measurements were taken at the accident scene. Can we still do an investigation with a 3D model?
Yes, but we will need to rely heavily on the accident reports, witness statements, and any pictures taken to help recreate the scene and further investigation.
Want to learn more about drone data collection?
Would you like to know more about 3D modeling and other drone data collection services from SV Aerial & Consulting? Or maybe you couldn’t find the answer to your question on this page? Regardless of the reason, if you have a question about our UAV services we would love to hear from you.