"As every law enforcement professional knows, investigating a crime
scene is a lot more complex and time consuming than what usually takes place on
TV cop shows. Also, properly and thoroughly investigating a crime scene can make
the difference between winning and losing a case in the courtroom....While
photos give only a 2D representation of 3D objects, the sketch can clarify
spatial relationships and distances. The sketch, used in conjunction with
photographs, will give a clear, complete and accurate view of the crime scene."
"A software program called The Crime Zone enables investigators to turn
their field notes into highly accurate and detailed computer-generated diagrams.
... The program has several hundred pre-drawn symbols that you can drag and drop
into place to make it easier and faster to create your drawings. ... It is
essential that crime scene diagrams accurately depict distances and proportions.
A program like The Crime Zone features automatic scaling that can precisely
replicate the measurements taken at the crime scene. The diagram then can be
enlarged for presentations in the courtroom."
"Special Agent Michael Braley of the South Dakota Division of Criminal
Investigation (using The Crime Zone) recently produced several compelling,
computer-generated diagrams for a capital murder trial that resulted in
convicting a serial killer. ‘With crime scene diagramming software, it is
possible to indicate on the drawing every location that was photographed at the
crime scene. By seeing the photograph and the drawing at the same time, the jury
gets to see an added dimension of the crime scene,’ Braley notes."