Footwear Impression Terms

A mark left behind from contact between two objects that only has two dimensions to it: length and width, no depth.

An indentation left behind from contact between two objects that has three dimensions to it: length, width, and depth. For example, footprints left in snow or mud.

A method of preserving, recovering, and retaining characteristics of a 3D impression. To cast an impression materials such as dental stone, sulfur, etc. are poured into the 3D impression and cured.

Process by which the casting material solidifies from a semi-solid state to a solid state when casting a 3D footwear impression.

A device used to conduct technique used to recover dusty footprints. A mylar film is placed over the print and charged using an electrostatic lifter device. The charged mylar film attracts and adheres the dusty footprint.

Powders used to dust dried latent impression that were initially wet.

A technique used to recover 2D impressions by capturing the impression characteristics in a gelatin layer that is supported by a black or white rubber backing.

Using casting materials to solidify the 3D impression left behind in a medium.

Marks or indentations left at the scene often in the form of handprints/ footprints/ fingerprints that are not visible to the naked eye without some form of enhancement.

A plastic film made from polyethylene terephthalate impressions when used with an electrostatic lifter device.

Lighting where the light source is positioned at an angle that is acute relative to the ground/surface it is placed on; a very low angle.

Separating material used to allow for an ease of lifting the casting material away from the material in which the 3D imprint lies.

Material used to add a contrasting effect to a footprint/impression left in the snow.

A technique where transparent tape is used to lift a 2D latent impression visualized using powders. This transparent tape is placed over the powdered impression and the adhered print is then placed on a backing card which is white/black depending on powder color.

‘Small or minute’ evidence often as a result of transfer from one individual to another person, place or object or vice versa.

Marks or indentations left at the scene often in the form of handprints/ footprints/ fingerprints that are visible to the naked eye without the need of enhancement.