Baseline in crime scene sketches refers to

• A. A grid used to map large outdoor areas.
• B. The color coding used for evidence.
• C. Measurements taken along a baseline line, locating objects by distance from a starting point along that line.
• D. A qualitative assessment of scene severity.

Answer: (C)

Baseline is a straight reference line established in the scene that serves as the anchor for measurements. Objects are located by their distance from this line, typically by measuring perpendicular distances from the object to the baseline and noting how far along the baseline the perpendicular from the object intersects from a defined starting point. This creates a simple coordinate system that lets you document many items quickly, especially in large or outdoor scenes. It differs from grid mapping, color coding, or qualitative assessments, which are not about locating objects using a reference line.