Digital forensic archaeology
The examination of physical evidence and the environment in which it is found remains pivotal in the investigation of crime.  
There has also been a greater appreciation in recent years of the role of archaeologists in forensic contexts where buried or 
concealed evidence exists.  
However, recording techniques in forensic archaeological work, and in crime scene investigation in general, essentially 
remain focused on traditional means of documenting, sketching and photographing environments. These techniques can be 
laborious and they do not provide data outputs suitable for presentation in Court to non-experts.  
A number of novel, digital non-invasive methods which have the potential to increase search efficiency and accuracy, permit 
access to difficult and/or dangerous environments, create a more accurate record of buried or concealed evidence and 
provide more effective means of presenting evidence in Court. 
In order to develop and apply novel digital recording methods and 5D, 4D and 3D modelling techniques for use by forensic 
archaeologists and crime scene investigators, the Dig For-Arch project is proposed.  
This project will aim to change the way in which buried and concealed evidence is analysed at crime scenes through these 
new techniques and through an associated programme of training and support for specialists and professionals working in 
this area.  
The Dig For-Arch project will offer the opportunity for the Experienced Researcher to engage in a new field of study (forensic 
science and forensic archaeology), thus diversifying his portfolio of work and offering new trajectories for his future career. 
The new field in which he will be working will benefit from his extensive expertise developed in other areas and from the 
cross-sector/cross-disciplinary expertise of the wider project group. 
Little has been published on digital recording of crime scenes and therefore the creation of new protocols tested in the field 
is highly recommended.