Forensic Use of GPR and LiDAR Technology for Clandestine Grave Detection

This webinar originally occurred on April 18, 2024
Duration: 1 hour

Overview

George Mason University (GMU) has conducted a technology evaluation of LiDAR deployed on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for crime scene processing, specifically in the detection of clandestine gravesites. Members of the GMU Forensic Program utilized nonhuman remains placed within the GMU Forensic Science Research and Training Laboratory, an outdoor lab also referred to as a body farm. Two pigs were placed, one above ground and one buried, which were regularly scanned with both LiDAR and GPR over the course of several months to observe and analyze both surface and subsurface decomposition and features. The research was conducted with the goal of observing the advantages and disadvantages of both technologies and gaining a greater understanding of how and when to best apply each in a forensic setting, as well as looking into data integration of the two forms of technology. 

In this webinar, ground-penetrating radar researcher Jordan Mullikin will introduce the function and workings of GPR, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of its use, as well as how GPR can be applied to locate clandestine graves by law enforcement investigators and forensic scientists. Furthermore, Ms. Mullikin will present multiple GPR scan types using Sensors & Software Ekko_Project software to visually display the progression of subsurface decomposition over time, as well as environmental factors that influence GPR scans. This discussion will culminate in an analysis of the data collected from the simulated unmarked grave, a conversation regarding common features and variables related to unmarked grave detection, and considerations for the integration of LiDAR and GPR data in future investigations. 

Following the discussion of the GPR research findings, speakers Divya Amarthaluri and Steven Burmeister will address the use of LiDAR technology deployed by a UAV and the subsequent research findings from frequent scanning of the unmarked graves. Divya Rupini Amarthaluri will introduce the function and workings of LiDAR, which was mounted on a UAV, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of how LiDAR can be applied to locate clandestine graves by law enforcement investigators and forensic scientists. Additionally, a discussion on the use of Real Time Kinematics (RTK) will proceed regarding its importance when using LiDAR and the use of the DJI M300 UAV with LiDAR. In this presentation the process for performing the LiDAR scans, its output (i.e. the results of the scans), and the analysis of the LiDAR using DJI Terra software will be discussed. 

Detailed Learning Objectives

1. Attendees will learn about the function and use of Ground-Penetrating Radar in forensic settings. 
2. Attendees will learn about the function and use of LiDAR and UAV deployment in forensic settings.
3. Attendees will hear about the potential for integration of the data collection and analysis of the two technologies in relation to the detection of clandestine gravesites.

Presenters

• Jordan Mullikin | Forensic Student Researcher, George Mason University 
• Divya Rupini Amarthaluri | Masters Student, George Mason University
• Steven Burmeister | Assistant Professor, George Mason University