Case Studies

USE CASE

📖2 min read

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Introduction

To illustrate what is possible in practice, this section gathers real-world investigations and reverse-engineers the likely workflow combinations behind them. The goal is not to provide definitive production breakdowns, but to give you a clear orientation point for how tools, techniques, and workflow patterns can be combined in applied work.

Each case demonstrates a blend of techniques, and all feature photomatching (the process of overlaying 2D images onto 3D models). Our focus here is on the 3D modeling aspects of these projects. Note that photomatching rarely achieves a perfect 100% alignment — some degree of approximation is inherent to the process.

These rudimentary breakdowns serve as observational studies rather than critiques or definitive methodologies.

Data Sources

Combining satellite imagery, CCTV footage, drone scans, and blueprints.

Techniques

Photogrammetry, SubD modeling, procedural generation, and simulation.

Workflows

From simple blockouts to detailed forensic reconstructions.

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Case studies

Every case in one table, with the techniques each one uses. Click a technique tag or use the filters to narrow the list. Sketch cases are early notes, not full write-ups.

All StatusesAnalyzedSketchAll Techniques3D PrintingAnimationAnnotationCamera MatchingFacial ReconstructionField-of-View AnalysisGeolocationHard-Surface ModelingInstancingInterior ModelingKeyframe AnimationKitbashingModular ModelingOSINTOptimizationPhotogrammetryPoint Cloud RegistrationProcedural ModelingProjection TexturingReference ModelingSatellite ImagerySculptingSimulationTerrain GenerationTexture ProjectionTexturingTimeline ReconstructionWitness NavigationWitness Testimony

Case	Status	Techniques	Description
100 Days in Evros — Situated Testimony	Analyzed	Witness NavigationAnnotationKeyframe Animation	Techniques for navigating and annotating a 3D scene live with a witness.
Al-Lataminah M4000 Reconstruction	Sketch	Hard-Surface ModelingProjection TexturingAnimation	Forensic Architecture's M4000 chemical bomb reconstruction from Al-Lataminah (Syria, 2017): blueprints, shrapnel geometry matching, projection texturing, and shape-key animation.
Beirut Port Explosion — Full Timeline Reconstruction	Sketch	Point Cloud RegistrationCamera MatchingTimeline Reconstruction	Forensic Architecture's Beirut port explosion reconstruction: city-scale model integration, warehouse modeling, point cloud registration, and synchronized camera matching.
Bilthoven Cold-Case 3D Suspect Model	Sketch	Facial ReconstructionSculptingWitness Testimony	How Dutch police turned a 2009 composite sketch and witness memory into a lifelike 3D suspect model for public identification.
Finding an RSF Military Camp — Vehicle Damage & Texture Matching	Analyzed	Satellite ImageryGeolocationOSINT	How the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) identified an RSF military camp in Libya by matching vehicles and damage across footage.
GBU-39 Interactive Model	Sketch	Hard-Surface ModelingTexture ProjectionOptimization	How the GBU-39 (Small Diameter Bomb) interactive model was likely built: hard-surface modeling from references, texture projection, and web optimization.
Nuseirat Raid — Urban Reconstruction & Camera Matching	Sketch	Camera MatchingModular ModelingKitbashing	Washington Post's Nuseirat hostage rescue raid reconstruction (Gaza): hybrid LOD urban blockout, asset kitbashing, and multimodal camera matching.
Reconstructing the Melilla Massacre	Analyzed	Terrain GenerationProcedural ModelingInstancing	How Lighthouse Reports reconstructed the Melilla border fence tragedy using a digital elevation map, procedural and modular modeling, and heavy instancing.
Shireen Abu Akleh — Shooting Reconstruction	Analyzed	PhotogrammetryCamera MatchingField-of-View Analysis	How Forensic Architecture reconstructed the shooting of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh: drone photogrammetry, blockout modeling, field-of-view and trajectory analysis.
Smoke and Lies — 3D Model & Smoke Simulation	Analyzed	Interior ModelingSimulationCamera Matching	How GIJN's team modelled the interior of a detention center and used smoke simulation to test the official account of a deadly fire.
Tech4Tracing — 3D-Printable Ammunition Photogrammetry	Sketch	PhotogrammetryTexturing3D Printing	How Tech4Tracing (T4T) builds millimetre-accurate 3D reconstructions of explosive ordnance via photogrammetry.
UMPB D-30SN Precision Modeling	Sketch	Hard-Surface ModelingReference Modeling	Hard-surface reverse-engineering of the Russian UMPB glide bomb from scattered reference material and known technical specs.

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Summary

These cases demonstrate how different modeling approaches are selected based on the investigative needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Mapping & Data Visualization: Integrating 3D models with geospatial data.
• 3D Modeling & Photogrammetry: Combining hand-modeled assets with scanned environments.
• Video Synchronization: Using 3D space to align and verify video evidence.

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Resources

• Introduction — what visual investigation covers
• Techniques Database — the methods each case uses
• Courses — learn the methods in order

Sources