NCJ Number
120704
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 37 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1989) Pages: 16-18
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Law enforcement officers can accurately and representatively produce scale diagrams to reconstruct an accident scene using graphics provided by Computer Aided Design (CAD) or Computer Aided Drafting programs.
Abstract
The best known CAD program is AutoCAD, which is ambitious, expensive, and accompanied by extensive documentation. Two "shareware" CAD programs are PC-Key-Draw and DANCAD3D, however, the author found the former user unfriendly, and the latter took too long to print. Generic CADD, DrafixCAD, AutoSketch, EasyCAD are all applicable to traffic accident reconstruction; In-a-Vision, PC Paint Plus, and PC Paintbrush contain features useful in drafting. Other computer graphics programs include DIAGRAM-MATER, CHART-MASTER, EDCRASH, and EDCAD. EDCAD is particularly advantageous when the officer uses photogrammetry techniques. An exclusive feature displays the position of the vehicles at their impact configuration when impact speeds are inputted; a future version will include a scientific calculator to perform trigonometry, square roots, and other relevant equations. The greatest disadvantage to EDCAD is the initial cost of $750. CAD programs advance the reconstructionist's professionalism for a reasonable expenditure of time and money.