Which option lists the three basic types of crime scene measurements?

• A. Baseline
• B. Rectangular
• C. All of the above
• D. Triangulation

Answer: (C)

Understanding crime scene measurement starts with recognizing three common approaches to map where objects lie in relation to known points. Triangulation determines an object's location by measuring distances or angles from two fixed reference points, forming triangles that intersect at the object's position. The baseline method uses a straight line between two known points as a reference; distances or offsets to objects are then measured in relation to that baseline to place them on the map. The rectangular method (coordinate method) sets up perpendicular axes, often a grid, so you can assign x and y coordinates to each feature or item. Each method serves different situations depending on the placement of reference points and line of sight. Since all three are standard, the option that lists all of them is the best choice.