The Analyst Mindset
Introduction​
Unlike the "Builder" who constructs a scene from scratch, the Analyst often starts with an existing model. Your goal is not to create geometry, but to interrogate it. You are the auditor, the verifier, and the presenter.
The Analyst workflow is not a linear phase-by-phase process. Instead, it is a toolkit of competencies that you apply as needed to answer specific investigative questions.
Orientation
"Where am I?"
Mastering navigation, camera switching, and scene management to maintain spatial awareness.
Interrogation
"What is this?"
Inspecting object properties, modifiers, and data structures to understand how the scene was built.
Verification
"Is this accurate?"
Using measurement tools and reference data to audit the scale and position of evidence.
The Core Competencies​
1. Orientation​
Before you can analyze a scene, you need to be able to move through it without getting lost. This involves more than just orbiting; it requires "First Person" navigation to experience the scene from a human perspective and the ability to jump between verified camera views.
2. Interrogation​
A 3D model can hide many things. An object might look like a solid wall, but is it a single plane or a thick volume? Is it a "live" modifier stack or applied geometry? Learning to read the Outliner and Properties Panel is essential for understanding the reliability of the data.
3. Verification​
Trust nothing until you verify it. The Analyst must know how to check the scene units (is "1" equal to 1 meter or 1 foot?) and use measurement tools to confirm that key distances match the police report or survey data.
4. Visibility​
One of the most common questions in visual investigation is: "What could they see?" This requires placing cameras at specific eye heights, matching focal lengths, and understanding line-of-sight obstructions.
Summary​
The Analyst track is designed to get you up and running with these competencies quickly, without bogging you down in the complexities of mesh modeling.
Key Takeaways:
- Trust but Verify: Check the scale and structure of a model you receive.
- Navigation is Key: You cannot analyze what you cannot see. Master the movement controls.
- Non-Destructive: Your job is to observe and measure, not to alter the evidence.
Next Steps​
Learn how to navigate and annotate live with Situated Testimony.