NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.
Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.
An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
A Review of NIST Projects in Surface and Topography Metrology for Firearm Evidence Identification in Forensic Science
Published
Author(s)
Jun-Feng Song, Xianping Liu
Abstract
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 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 U.S. 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.
Song, J.
and Liu, X.
(2016),
A Review of NIST Projects in Surface and Topography Metrology for Firearm Evidence Identification in Forensic Science, Measurement Science & Technology, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=919894
(Accessed October 9, 2025)