3D Surface Scanning of Corpses - Assessment of the Usefulness of the Procedure in Collecting and Archiving Evidence.

The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of 3D surface scanning of corpses as a procedure for collecting and archiving evidence material in forensic medical practice. The research material consisted of surface scans of the bodies of deceased individuals undergoing autopsy at the request of the prosecutor's office. Scanning was performed non‑invasively, without direct contact between the device and the body, using an Apple LiDAR sensor and the Recon3D application. The procedure included three stages: scanning the body in clothing, without clothing, and after washing; at each stage, both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the body were recorded. The examination produced digital 3D models of the corpses in the form of computer files, enabling interactive viewing, taking measurements, generating cross‑sections, and comparing the models with other 3D objects on the same scale. The models were also presented without perspective distortion, which allowed the correct proportions and dimensions of the body to be preserved. Using the obtained models in combination with data from the scene, biological and technical traces, and other 3D materials made it possible to analyze the course of events in various types of cases, including shootings, stab wounds, pedestrian impacts, falls from height, and beatings. The study emphasizes that 3D surface scanning of corpses does not replace traditional photographic documentation but constitutes a significant extension of it. The conclusions indicate that the method is fast, non‑invasive, and useful both for archiving and for later analysis of evidence material. The resulting models increase the visual value of the documentation, facilitate integration with other imaging studies, can be quickly shared with remote experts, and may serve as a basis for reconstructing the probable course of events in a 3D environment.