Knott Laboratory provides forensic engineering and animation, Civil & Structural, and Fire & Explosion Investigation services to reconstruct accidents.


Drone Investigations

Effectively documenting large-scale environments from an aerial perspective


 

You have seen drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) everywhere. Drones allow for faster inspections in difficult to reach locations. Knott Laboratory uses UAV investigations for accident reconstruction, building exteriors/roofs inspection, aerial imagery, 3D modeling of a site and indoor warehouse surveys. Our staff are certified by the FAA to operate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

 

 

These UAVs contain high-resolution cameras with GPS-enabled control systems allowing for maneuvers high above larger investigation scenes or close to structures such as buildings, bridges, towers and power lines. We can derive 3D point-cloud data from the drone imagery to create very accurate 3D models of accident scenes & vehicles and incorporate the drone video to create photo-realistic animation & other visual aids. The remote-controlled drones aid in difficult or dangerous inspections such as vehicle accident sites, exterior walls & facades, steep-sloped roofs and fire/explosion scenes. We will acquire better and more-timely evidence with lower cost and less risk.

 

 

Knott Lab has been granted a Certificate of Waiver by the FAA which authorizes our drone pilots to operate at night, which is otherwise strictly prohibited under the Federal Aviation Administration’s current regulations for sUAS (FAA Part 107.29). This authorization allows Knott Lab to capture aerial video footage for night-time accident reconstruction visualizations as well as use FLIR Thermal Imaging technology to efficiently, safely and accurately detect moisture intrusion in building and roof inspections.

 

The use of drone technology for forensic investigations or insurance claim inspections, offers a significant overall benefit in terms of operating efficiency, cost, data acquisition and safety.

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.