Technical Note: Parameters of Bloodstain Pattern Spatial Reconstruction in Manual vs. Computer-Aided Data Acquisition

Kowalske, Zack; Snively, David T.; Oleiwi, Abdulrahman; Williams, Graham

Abstract

This study compares the accuracy and precision of manual and computer-aided methods in bloodstain pattern analysis using equine blood under controlled conditions. Manual measurements by experienced analysts were compared to those obtained with FARO Zone 3D (FZ3D). Manual readings of single bloodstains showed higher variability and lower accuracy, while FZ3D improved angle calculations due to enhanced precision. Differences in determining the area of convergence and origin were minimal, but FZ3D offered greater workflow efficiency and data visualization. The findings highlight the need for independent validation of BPA methods and support integrating computer-aided techniques for more accurate, efficient forensic analyses.

Citation

Kowalske, Z., Snively, D. T., Oleiwi, A., & Williams, G. (2025). Technical Note: Parameters of Bloodstain Pattern Spatial Reconstruction in Manual vs. Computer-Aided Data Acquisition. Forensic Science International: Reports, 11, Article 100418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100418

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 11, 2025
• Online Publication Date: May 13, 2025
• Publication Date: 2025-05
• Deposit Date: May 13, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: May 19, 2025
• Electronic ISSN: 2665-9107
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Article Number: 100418
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100418
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/5175749