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Somma R, Cascio M, Silvestro M, et al. A GIS-based Quantitative Approach for the Search of Clandestine Graves, Italy. J Forensic Sci. 2017;63(3):882-898doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.13677.
Somma, R., Cascio, M., Silvestro, M., & Torre, E. (2018). A GIS-based Quantitative Approach for the Search of Clandestine Graves, Italy. Journal of forensic sciences, 63(3), 882-898. https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.13677
Somma, Roberta, et al. "A GIS-based Quantitative Approach for the Search of Clandestine Graves, Italy." Journal of forensic sciences vol. 63,3 (2018): 882-898. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.13677
Somma R, Cascio M, Silvestro M, Torre E. A GIS-based Quantitative Approach for the Search of Clandestine Graves, Italy. J Forensic Sci. 2018 May;63(3):882-898. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.13677. Epub 2017 Oct 30. PMID: 29084345.
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J Forensic Sci. 2018 May;63(3):882-898. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.13677. Epub 2017 Oct 30.

A GIS-based Quantitative Approach for the Search of Clandestine Graves, Italy.

Journal of forensic sciences

Roberta Somma, Maria Cascio, Massimiliano Silvestro, Eliana Torre

Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, and Morphological and Functional Images (BIOMORF), Università degli Studi di Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres, Messina, Italy.
  2. Land Engineering, Via L. Sciascia, Complesso Iride 83, 98100, Messina, Italy.
  3. Contrada Conca d'oro, 98168, Messina, Italy.

PMID: 29084345 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13677

Abstract

Previous research on the RAG color-coded prioritization systems for the discovery of clandestine graves has not considered all the factors influencing the burial site choice within a GIS project. The goal of this technical note was to discuss a GIS-based quantitative approach for the search of clandestine graves. The method is based on cross-referenced RAG maps with cumulative suitability factors to host a burial, leading to the editing of different search scenarios for ground searches showing high-(Red), medium-(Amber), and low-(Green) priority areas. The application of this procedure allowed several outcomes to be determined: If the concealment occurs at night, then the "search scenario without the visibility" will be the most effective one; if the concealment occurs in daylight, then the "search scenario with the DSM-based visibility" will be most appropriate; the different search scenarios may be cross-referenced with offender's confessions and eyewitnesses' testimonies to verify the veracity of their statements.

© 2017 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Keywords: GIS ; clandestine graves; forensic geology; forensic science; ground searches; prioritization system

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