Towards 3D tactical intelligence assessments for crime scene analysis

Abstract

This paper presents a set of methods and functions to create interactive 3D tactical intelligence assessments by joining analysis of burglary crime scenes and geovisualization issues. For this purpose general spatio-temporal patterns of residential burglary crimes are analysed and subsequently visualised by using three-dimensional geovirtual environments. To allow furthermore for a straightforward portability, an application framework is developed that encapsulates the most important GIS-analysis functions applied. By employing Microsoft's Esri's ArcObjects technology, a standalone GIS-application is programmed that allows even a GIS-untrained user both to conduct initial exploratory data analysis and to prepare the resulting files for 3D-geovisualization. Finally, the application potential of the created 3D tactical intelligence assessments is surveyed by questioning a group of crime mapping and geo-profiling experts. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.