The application of GIS technology in building a multivariate taphonomic profile for improving PMI estimations in Greece.

Environmental conditions highly affect decomposition rates and therefore a forensic practitioner should consider context-specific information when estimating the post mortem interval (PMI). Traditional methods of collecting environmental data, however, are time-consuming and often impractical for large-scale studies or routine forensic investigations. This study developed an automated computer method by employing the technology of geographic information systems (GIS) and Python programming language to provide contextual information for bodies found outdoors in Greece.