Forensic 3D Animations

Must have animation features

Animation report

Above is an example of an animation report generated by the software program, FX3. Other programs generate similar reports and all animation movies should be accompanied by a spreadsheet of this sort. Note this spreadsheet informs the reader of the point in time to 1/20th second, stating the x,y,z positions as well as the yaw pitch roll orientation and velocity. This should be standard.

Time stamped animation frames

The animation as it runs, should display the time and some positional information so that any image captured from the animation sequence will demonstrate accurate object placement in time (see image above). Note also in the animation frames (above), an air photo is used as the background. Total station measurement points also appear on the scene giving the viewer further confidence that the animation is based on real measurements and calculations.

Real time

It is very important that the animation runs in real time, not displayed time.

Important questions for animation expert witnesses

Who generated the animation movie? Very often the reconstructionist and the animator are different individuals in different companies. If that is the case, it is important to see the communication between the reconstructionist and the animator to verify that the animator based his output movie on real facts.

Is the animation environment to scale? Very often the background roadway scene is not to scale and if the animation is conforming to an inaccurate background. All the time distance features will also be inaccurate.

Explain how the animation software works. Very often, the animator does not fully understand the software application that generates the animation, which can allow inaccurate output movies.

State-of-the-Art Software Technology

MDA uses only the best software technology to ensure that all forensic animations are based on the actual physics of crash motion and
runs in real time automatically.

Accurate 3D Models

With every animation we use accurate 3D models of the vehicles involved, roadway objects and the surrounding scene. You can rely on the accuracy of the timing and distance aspects of any animation we generate and the dynamics of the animation which are generated by the calculations of impact speeds. The animation will represent the reconstruction results within 1/1000th second.

Comprehensive Reports

In addition, our experts will provide an animation report (see sample) to verify the time vs position and velocity information is 100% accurate.

100% Court Accepted

Our animations are court accepted and very easy to support. All MDA experts have been certified as
“ Forensic Animation Specialists “ so there is no need to contract an animation company. Therefore, the costs are significantly lower and the animations are delivered to you within a few days, if necessary.