Past, present, and future of craniofacial superimposition: Literature and international surveys.

ABSTRACT

In this manuscript, the past, present and future of the identification of human remains based on craniofacial superimposition is reviewed. An analysis of the different technological approaches developed over time is offered in conjunction with a new classification based on the technology implemented throughout the diverse phases of the process. The state of the art of the technique, in the academic and forensic realms, is reflected in an extensive international survey that includes over one hundred experts worldwide. The results of the survey indicate the current relative importance of the technique, despite of its controversial nature within the scientific community. Finally, the future challenges to be faced to justify the use of this technique for either profiling, exclusion or identification purposes are discussed.