Att representera osäkerhet i brottsplatsvisualiseringar. Hur bör osäkerhetsanalyser för positioneringsestimering i 3D- modeller representeras?

Background:
3D crime scene visualizations are increasingly used in forensic investigations to reconstruct events and support decision-making. These visualizations often include uncertainty arising from positioning estimations, yet there is limited knowledge on how such uncertainty should be effectively communicated.

Objective:
To investigate how uncertainty in 3D crime scene visualizations should be represented, with a specific focus on heat maps, and how different representations influence interpretation among users within the justice system.

Results:
A qualitative study using close reading and interviews with stakeholders (e.g., investigators, prosecutors, forensic experts) revealed that the representation of uncertainty significantly influences interpretation. Participants showed varying preferences for visualization design, with no consensus on optimal color schemes. However, representations that clearly indicated the most probable position (e.g., via a marker) were preferred. Contextual information was critical for correct interpretation, and lack of clarity could lead to misinterpretation of uncertainty as factual evidence. Visualization design choices (color, form, transparency) and perceptual expectations strongly shaped understanding.

Conclusion:
Uncertainty representation in crime scene visualizations affects interpretation and should be carefully designed. Clear marking of the most probable position and provision of contextual information are essential. No single visualization method can currently be recommended, highlighting the need for further research to establish standardized and legally robust visualization practices.