Which method of mapping a crime scene uses a baseline and right angles?

Study for the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Exam. Master with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare confidently for your test!

The method of mapping a crime scene that utilizes a baseline and right angles is known as rectangular coordinates. This method involves establishing a baseline, which is a straight line drawn between two known points on the scene. Right angles are then used to measure the distance from this baseline to the evidence or points of interest at the scene, creating a grid-like system for accurate mapping. This approach allows investigators to create a precise representation of the crime scene with accurate measurements, making it easier to locate evidence, document the layout, and present findings.

Triangulation, while also a mapping method, relies on two known points and forming triangles to locate a third point, which is different from the use of a baseline. Baseline coordinates, though they sound similar, do not specifically utilize the right angles associated with rectangular coordinates mapping. Polar coordinates, on the other hand, use angles and distances from a specific point rather than a baseline and right angles, marking a distinct approach to mapping that is more angular in nature. Thus, rectangular coordinates are the correct choice for this specific context.

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