Articles and Case Studies
SAE Papers
The Society of Automotive Engineers is a key resource for many in the forensic field. Paper in their journals are peer-reviewed making them valuable sources of information and key evidence for use in trials. A number of SAE papers have been published over the years that mention PhotoModeler – we have obtained permission to make the key ones publicly available to the readers of this site:
The Accuracy of an Optimized, Practical Close-Range Photogrammetry Method for Vehicular Modeling
doi:10.4271/2016-01-1462
By Louis R. Peck, Lightpoint Scientific, LLC and Mu-Hua Cheng, Dial Engineering
Three targeted vehicles of varying size were measured using an optimized, practical photogrammetry technique and the results were compared to measurements acquired via total station. The average residual between corresponding photogrammetry and total station points was 1.7 mm (N = 258, SD = 0.8 mm) with a 95% confidence limit. This research shows photogrammetry can be highly accurate and efficient with proper methodology.
[Abstract – paywalled] 
Accident Scene Diagramming Using New Photogrammetric Technique
SAE 970944
By Stephen Fenton, Richard Kerr, Knott Laboratory, Inc.
One of the challenges for accident reconstructionists is creating accurate accident scene diagrams from photographs, esp when only one photograph is available, and information about the camera that took the photograph is not available. The authors present a technique that enables the user to create an accurate accident scene diagram from only one unknown photograph of the accident scene, by using a combination of processes called Inverse Camera Projection and Photographic Rectification.
[Complete article] –
Measuring a Geometry by Photogrammetry: Evaluation of the Approach in View of Experimental Modal Analysis on Automotive Structures
SAE 2001-01-1473
By Benoit Dierckx and Christophe De Veuster, LMS International, and Pierre-Alain Guidault, ENS Cachan
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the use of 3D photogrammetric modelling in the context of modal testing of automotive structures.
[Complete article] –
Determination and Verification of Equivalent Barrier Speeds (EBS) Using PhotoModeler as a Measurement Tool
SAE 2004-01-1208
By Lara L. O’Shields and Tyler A. Kress, BEST Engineering; John C. Hungerford, Hungerford and Associates; and C. H. Aikens, The University of Tennessee
The main objective of this study is to show that PhotoModeler is a suitable measurement tool for vehicle crush measurement in the context of determining the equivalent barrier speed (EBS). The PhotoModeler process is applied to controlled crash information generated by the NHTSA.
[Complete article] –
The Accuracy of Photogrammetry vs. Hands-on Measurement Techniques used in Accident Reconstruction
SAE 2010-01-0065
By Bryan Randles, Biomechanical Research & Testing; Brian Jones, Elliott & Jones LLC; Judson Welcher and Thomas Szabo, Biomechanical Research & Testing; David Elliott, Elliott & Jones LLC; and Cameron MacAdams, Elliott & Jones, LLC
A study was conducted to assess the relative accuracy of two measurement techniques commonly used for vehicle measurements in damaged-based accident reconstruction. The traditional technique of hands-on measurement was compared with the use of photogrammetry for measurement of targeted damaged vehicles. Three undamaged vehicles were subjected to 4 impacts, resulting in 4 damaged areas (two front, one side and one rear).
[Complete article] –
Other Papers
Semi-Automated Crush Determination Using Coded and Non-Coded Targets with Close-Range Photogrammetry
Accident Reconstruction Network
By Dan Mills and Gary Carty, DCM Technical Services Inc.
Vehicle crush measurement (which is typically used to determine vehicle speed (or change in velocity : delta-v) at time of impact) has traditionally been done with tape measure or a surveyor’s total station. Mills and Carty demonstrate a method which is low cost, flexible, automated and accurate using PhotoModeler and PhotoModeler’s coded targets.
[Complete study] –
Person identification by gait analysis and photogrammetry
Journal of Forensic Sciences
By N. Lynnerup, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and J. Vedel, 3D Photo, Aarhus, Denmark.
Using PhotoModeler and surveillance video, the authors perform measurements of height, and measurements of angle for gait analysis. Using this analysis the authors along with the police were able to correctly identify the perpetrator of a heinous crime.
[Complete study available to members – external link to abstract]