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.

Leica RTC360

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

Our forensic engineers are experts in accident reconstruction, failure analysis and cause & origin. Our forensic engineers work directly with our in-house animation department to create state-of-the-art forensic animations for use in court, arbitration, mediation or settlement negotiations.

Taylor D. Spiegelberg, B.F.A.

Visualization Manager

(303) 925-1900

Scott Fronapfel

Forensic Visualization Expert

(303) 925-1900
David Ridder headshot

David Ridder, B.F.A.

Forensic Visualization Expert

(303) 925-1900

View Samples of our Work

Since 1982, Knott Laboratory has been providing comprehensive forensic engineering and computer animation services to reconstruct accidents.

What others have to say about our work


High Profile Cases

Knott Laboratory has become the leader in forensic engineering and computer animation by investigating high profile cases and conveying our analysis effectively during litigation.