Computerized Reconstruction of Fragmentary Skeletal Remains for Purposes of Extracting Osteometric Measurements and Estimating MNI

The purpose of this research project is to improve forensic anthropology practice and policy by facilitating more complete and accurate analyses of fragmentary human skeletal remains. Project personnel will develop and launch free user-friendly software that will enable forensic anthropologists to quantify and reconstruct fragmentary human skeletal remains (crania, pelves, humeri, and femora are the focus of the initial platform; additional elements will be added with subsequent releases of the software) from three-dimensional surface files generated by computed-tomography or laser scans. This software will have applications in individual forensic casework as well as in situations with commingled remains, such as mass graves or mass disaster scenarios. ca/ncf