This paper is focused on two main topics: crime scene reconstruction, based on a geomatic approach, and crime scene analysis, through GIS based procedures. According to the experience of the authors in performing forensic analysis for real cases, the aforesaid topics will be examined with the specific goal of verifying the relationship of human walk paths at a crime scene with blood patterns on the floor. In order to perform such analyses, the availability of pictures taken by first aiders is mandatory, since they provide information about the crime scene before items are moved or interfered with. Generally, those pictures are affected by large geometric distortions, thus - after a brief description of the geomatic techniques suitable for the acquisition of reference data (total station surveying, photogrammetry and laser scanning) - it will be shown the developed methodology, based on photogrammetric algorithms, aimed at calibrating, georeferencing and mosaicking the available images acquired on the scene. The crime scene analysis is based on a collection of GIS functionalities for simulating human walk movements and creating a statistically significant sample. The developed GIS software component will be described in detail, showing how the analysis of this statistical sample of simulated human walks allows to rigorously define the probability of performing a certain walk path without touching the bloodstains on the floor.

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Metric surveys are a key component in Cultural Heritage. Metric surveys are in fact a basic input for a wide range of activities, from documentation to study, from restoration to valorization, that rely on the current condition of the monument. In recent years, laser scanning and, more recently, digital photogrammetry offered new perspectives, widening the perspectives of 3D Cultural Heritage recording. Digital technologies provide new ways to collaborate, record excavations, and restore artifacts, and in such a way they are transforming the way Cultural Heritage practitioners (researchers, archaeologists, curators) work. This paper attempts to review the methods for 3D digitization that are today available and discuss the possible use of 3D models beyond the pure extraction of reliable and accurate measures.

Information Technology for Humanitarian Assistance, Cooperation, and Action (ITHACA) is developing a worldwide early warning system for flood events (Albanese et al. 2008).

Metric surveys have a key role in managing Cultural Heritage. They are needed for a wide range of activities like documentation, study, restoration, and valorization. The importance of the 3D description of objects is widely accepted considering costs/benefits ratio and the opportunities it offers. In recent years, laser scanning and digital photogrammetry offered new perspectives, widening the options in 3D CH recording. Scientific research tends to see their integration as the best approach to CH description. 3D surveys are offering extra opportunities respect to the traditional production of metric supports as 3D models are the ideal base for true 3D information systems and open the way to immersive virtual reality environments. Digital technologies provide new ways to collaborate, record excavations, and restore artifacts in such a way, they are transforming the way CH practitioners work. This chapter attempts to review the methods for 3D digitization that are today available and discuss the possible use of 3D models beyond the pure extraction of reliable and accurate measurements.