A Review of NIST Projects in Surface and Topography Metrology for Firearm Evidence Identification in Forensic Science

This is a review of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) efforts in surface metrology and topography measurements for firearm evidence identifications in forensic science. Based on the research projects in surface metrology and standardization, NIST researchers have developed Standard Reference Material (SRM) Bullets and Cartridge Cases (Certain commercial equipment, instruments, or materials are identified in this paper to specify adequately the experimental procedure. Such identification does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, nor does it imply that the materials or equipment identified are necessarily the best available for the purpose) and established a 2D/3D Ballistics Topography Measurement System. They formulated a Traceability and Quality System to support nationwide ballistics identifications within the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) in the United States. They have recently proposed a Congruent Matching Cells (CMC) method for accurate ballistic identification and error rate estimation, which provides a statistical foundation and a practical method to promote firearm evidence identifications from qualitative image comparisons to quantitative topography measurements.