What equipment would help locate buried remains at a crime scene?

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is the most effective tool for locating buried remains at a crime scene because it uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. This technology is specifically designed to detect anomalies in the ground, such as buried objects, changes in soil density, or human remains, by sending electromagnetic waves into the ground and measuring the reflected signals.

GPR can differentiate between different types of materials, making it highly suitable for locating organic materials, including bones, which can often be missed by other methods. It provides a non-invasive way to survey a large area without disturbing the soil, making it ideal for crime scene investigations where the integrity of the site is crucial.

While a metal detector can be useful for finding metallic objects, it may not detect substances like bones effectively. Thermal imaging cameras are more adept at detecting temperature differences on the surface and would not penetrate the ground, and drones with cameras may provide aerial views of a scene but lack the capability to locate buried remains directly. Thus, ground penetrating radar stands out as the best choice for this purpose in a forensic context.