Utilizing Drone-Based Ground-Penetrating Radar for Crime Investigations in Localizing and Identifying Clandestine Graves
The decomposition of a body is influenced by burial conditions, making it crucial to understand the impact of different conditions for accurate grave detection. Geophysical techniques using drones have gained popularity in locating clandestine graves, offering non-invasive methods for detecting surf...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-08-01
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| Series: | Sensors |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/16/7119 |
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| author | Louise Lijcklama à Nijeholt Tasha Yara Kronshorst Kees van Teeffelen Benjamin van Manen Roeland Emaus Jaap Knotter Abeje Mersha |
| author_facet | Louise Lijcklama à Nijeholt Tasha Yara Kronshorst Kees van Teeffelen Benjamin van Manen Roeland Emaus Jaap Knotter Abeje Mersha |
| author_sort | Louise Lijcklama à Nijeholt |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The decomposition of a body is influenced by burial conditions, making it crucial to understand the impact of different conditions for accurate grave detection. Geophysical techniques using drones have gained popularity in locating clandestine graves, offering non-invasive methods for detecting surface and subsurface irregularities. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is an effective technology for identifying potential grave locations without disturbance. This research aimed to prototype a drone system integrating GPR to assist in grave localization and to develop software for data management. Initial experiments compared GPR with other technologies, demonstrating its valuable applicability. It is suitable for various decomposition stages and soil types, although certain soil compositions have limitations. The research used the DJI M600 Pro drone and a drone-based GPR system enhanced by the real-time kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS) for precision and autonomy. Tests with simulated graves and cadavers validated the system’s performance, evaluating optimal altitude, speed, and obstacle avoidance techniques. Furthermore, global and local planning algorithms ensured efficient and obstacle-free flight paths. The results highlighted the potential of the drone-based GPR system in locating clandestine graves while minimizing disturbance, contributing to the development of effective tools for forensic investigations and crime scene analysis. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T23:35:50Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-9d2934f35bd34e76aad9f4d08a341ce2 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1424-8220 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T23:35:50Z |
| publishDate | 2023-08-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Sensors |
| spelling | doaj.art-9d2934f35bd34e76aad9f4d08a341ce22023-11-19T02:57:13ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202023-08-012316711910.3390/s23167119Utilizing Drone-Based Ground-Penetrating Radar for Crime Investigations in Localizing and Identifying Clandestine GravesLouise Lijcklama à Nijeholt0Tasha Yara Kronshorst1Kees van Teeffelen2Benjamin van Manen3Roeland Emaus4Jaap Knotter5Abeje Mersha6Technologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7513 AB Enschede, The NetherlandsTechnologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7513 AB Enschede, The NetherlandsUnmanned Robotic Systems, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Ariënsplein 1, 7511 JX Enschede, The NetherlandsUnmanned Robotic Systems, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Ariënsplein 1, 7511 JX Enschede, The NetherlandsBusiness, Building & Technology, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7513 AB Enschede, The NetherlandsTechnologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7513 AB Enschede, The NetherlandsUnmanned Robotic Systems, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Ariënsplein 1, 7511 JX Enschede, The NetherlandsThe decomposition of a body is influenced by burial conditions, making it crucial to understand the impact of different conditions for accurate grave detection. Geophysical techniques using drones have gained popularity in locating clandestine graves, offering non-invasive methods for detecting surface and subsurface irregularities. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is an effective technology for identifying potential grave locations without disturbance. This research aimed to prototype a drone system integrating GPR to assist in grave localization and to develop software for data management. Initial experiments compared GPR with other technologies, demonstrating its valuable applicability. It is suitable for various decomposition stages and soil types, although certain soil compositions have limitations. The research used the DJI M600 Pro drone and a drone-based GPR system enhanced by the real-time kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS) for precision and autonomy. Tests with simulated graves and cadavers validated the system’s performance, evaluating optimal altitude, speed, and obstacle avoidance techniques. Furthermore, global and local planning algorithms ensured efficient and obstacle-free flight paths. The results highlighted the potential of the drone-based GPR system in locating clandestine graves while minimizing disturbance, contributing to the development of effective tools for forensic investigations and crime scene analysis.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/16/7119clandestine gravesdrone-based sensorsground-penetrating radarradargramRTK-GPSobstacle avoidance |
| spellingShingle | Louise Lijcklama à Nijeholt Tasha Yara Kronshorst Kees van Teeffelen Benjamin van Manen Roeland Emaus Jaap Knotter Abeje Mersha Utilizing Drone-Based Ground-Penetrating Radar for Crime Investigations in Localizing and Identifying Clandestine Graves Sensors clandestine graves drone-based sensors ground-penetrating radar radargram RTK-GPS obstacle avoidance |
| title | Utilizing Drone-Based Ground-Penetrating Radar for Crime Investigations in Localizing and Identifying Clandestine Graves |
| title_full | Utilizing Drone-Based Ground-Penetrating Radar for Crime Investigations in Localizing and Identifying Clandestine Graves |
| title_fullStr | Utilizing Drone-Based Ground-Penetrating Radar for Crime Investigations in Localizing and Identifying Clandestine Graves |
| title_full_unstemmed | Utilizing Drone-Based Ground-Penetrating Radar for Crime Investigations in Localizing and Identifying Clandestine Graves |
| title_short | Utilizing Drone-Based Ground-Penetrating Radar for Crime Investigations in Localizing and Identifying Clandestine Graves |
| title_sort | utilizing drone based ground penetrating radar for crime investigations in localizing and identifying clandestine graves |
| topic | clandestine graves drone-based sensors ground-penetrating radar radargram RTK-GPS obstacle avoidance |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/16/7119 |
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