Comparison of Shoeprint Recognition Software

The world's first commercially available shoeprint pattern matching software has been in existence for over 25 years. During this time, forensic software companies worldwide have persistently engaged in the research and development of new shoeprint pattern matching software. The creation of shoe databases, applied in shoeprint pattern matching software, has provided additional opportunities for solving cases using shoeprint evidence.

Currently, there are many manufacturers worldwide dedicated to shoeprint pattern matching software and shoe databases. Today, we will list four relatively well-known manufacturers, and compare their products.These four software systems are currently mature, widely used in police stations and forensic laboratories worldwide, and have received positive reviews. Most of this information comes from online sources.

EverASM is a software produced by Everspry. Its main feature is the use of binary image coding for shoe sole pattern retrieval. It boasts the world's largest database of shoe models, totaling over 100,000, and is updated annually. Their clients span across multiple countries in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, with over 300 organizations and institutions utilizing this software. 

SoleMate® FPX is a new and improved system that combinesa comprehensive footwear evidence management tool with an extensive footwear reference database for the rapid identification of shoe prints. Using combinations of shapes, patterns, text, and logosto describe the visible characteristics found on a scene of crime shoeprint, itis possible to identify matching items of footwear in a matter of minutes viathe intuitive FPX search interface.

PRIDE is built in conjunction with shoeprint experts and forensic intelligence departments from the Netherlands.  The comparison ofthe shoeprints is fully automated and is based on the comparison of pictures, so no manual feature marking is required unlike other comparable systems on the market. Another unique feature of PRIDE is the possibility tocreate a central database with shoe references and traces. This database can be shared throughout all your departments and locations, no need to create local files which are prone to duplication of information. Maintenance of the database can be centrally controlled by the built-in authorization options.

The National Footwear Reference Collection (NFRC) is the most comprehensive catalogue of footwear patterns available to date. It now handles more than 36,000 transactions a day, returning searches in typically less than a tenth of asecond. The NFRC is the UK standard for coding footwear. The National Footwear Database (NFD) extends the NFRC by recording crime and custody reports supported by evidence collected at the scene.