Variation in the Measurement of Cranial Volume and Surface Area Using 3D Laser Scanning Technology

• Published in: Journal of forensic sciences 2010-07, Vol.55 (4), p.871-876
• Main Authors: Sholts, Sabrina B., Wärmländer, Sebastian K.T.S., Flores, Louise M., Miller, Kevin W.P., Walker, Phillip L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D laser scanning; Bones; Cephalometry - methods; cranial morphology; digital imaging; digital morphometrics; Error analysis; Errors; Face; Forensic Anthropology; Forensic engineering; Forensic Medicine; forensic science; Human; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Lasers; Mathematical models; Measurement errors; MEDICIN; MEDICINE; Observer Variation; Precision; Protocol; Reproducibility of Results; rättsmedicin; Scanners; Skull - anatomy & histology; Software; Three dimensional; Three dimensional imaging
• ISSN: 0022-1198; 1556-4029; 1556-4029
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01380.x

:  Three‐dimensional (3D) laser scanner models of human crania can be used for forensic facial reconstruction, and for obtaining craniometric data useful for estimating age, sex, and population affinity of unidentified human remains. However, the use of computer‐generated measurements in a casework setting requires the measurement precision to be known. Here, we assess the repeatability and precision of cranial volume and surface area measurements using 3D laser scanner models created by different operators using different protocols for collecting and processing data. We report intraobserver measurement errors of 0.2% and interobserver errors of 2% of the total area and volume values, suggesting that observer‐related errors do not pose major obstacles for sharing, combining, or comparing such measurements. Nevertheless, as no standardized procedure exists for area or volume measurements from 3D models, it is imperative to report the scanning and postscanning protocols employed when such measurements are conducted in a forensic setting.