A mapping crew utilizes an electronic distance measurement (or EDM) device to take accurate measurements of the roadway and overall scene of the accident. Any remaining physical evidence, such as skid marks or gouges are identified and can be used to determine placement of the vehicles involved. If necessary, additional three-dimensional data may be collected for the purpose of illustrating three-dimensional issues such as view obstructions, line of sight analysis or for use in a computer animation of the events of the accident.