Plantar Nomenclature

[Dan Perkins]

Hi,
I'm trying to find out how other experts refer to the different areas of the feet. The only guide I've found so far is in Friction Ridge Skin by Cowger, is this nomenclature generally accepted? Also how are the toes differentiated from each other?
thanks

Dan Perkins

[Boyd Baumgartner]

I've only ever really referenced the nomenclature in Scott's Fingerprint Mechanics and only for academic purposes. I haven't had casework requiring it.

Here's an image out of Scott's on Footprints.

Plantar.jpg

With regards to your question on toe numbering, the section references the fact that the FBI had developed a footprint classification system, primarily for military pilots whose lower extremeties seem to be protected by their boots in the instance of a crash.

If someone from the FBI reads this maybe they could chime in, or you could contact them here:

Phone - 304-625-3541
Fax - 304-625-2337
E-mail - fingerprint_training@leo.gov

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fingerprint_training.htm

[Ernie Hamm]

Similar illustrations of the areas of the sole appear in "Finger Prints, Palms and Soles" (Harold Cummins and Charles Midlo), "The Genetics of Dermal Ridges" (Sarah Holt) and the article, "The Dermatoglyphic Patterns on the Toes and Soles of the Feet in Various Populations and Their Significance for the Forensic Practice", Hans-Joachim Hammer, Fingerprint Whorld 14:54 (October 1984). These illustrations do not show the "rare pattern zones".

Another source would be "Classification of Footprints", FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, September-October 1971 (Revised from FBI Bulletin Octoer 1948. This article states that "Wentworth and Wilder set forth a classification system of footprints in their publication "Personal Identification.""

[Dan Perkins]

Boyd, Ernie,

thank you very much for your efforts - much appreciated.

Dan Perkins