Overview
Temperature is a critical variable in forensic entomology, directly influencing insect development rates and post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation. However, temperature is often treated as spatially homogeneous, despite real environments exhibiting fine-scale thermal heterogeneity. This project presents an exploratory analysis of temperature variations recorded using multiple data loggers deployed within a small, heterogeneous environment. The study focuses on diurnal patterns, spatial gradients, and inter-logger variability, with reference to a nearby meteorological station. This repository is intended as a methodological and exploratory analysis, not a finalized predictive model.
Researcher
Nurin Liyana M. Syaifurazi, Raja M. Zuha
Methodology
Nine data loggers were placed at fixed distances and heights and enclosed for protection at Forensic Science Simulation Site, UKM Bangi. Ambient air temperatures from each data logger were recorded for 50 days, and heterogenous features of the study location were described. Subsequently, temporal and spatial data exploration of the temperatures was conducted in Python integrated development environment, followed by regression analysis of the nearest meteorological stations, i.e. Putra Agricultural Centre, UPM Serdang and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang.
Key Findings
- Clear diurnal temperature variability, with greater fluctuations observed during night time.
- Significant temperature differences among all data loggers despite their proximity.
- Similar regional temperature trends between meteorological stations but they did not capture the localized microclimate conditions with complete similarity.
Limitations
- Exploratory study with limited spatial and temporal scope.
- No insect developmental data incorporated at this stage.
- Findings are descriptive and not intended for PMI estimation.
Dataset
data_logger_temperature_2.csv
met_station_temp.csv
Repository
This repository is intended for:
– Exploratory research
– Methodological development
– Educational and portfolio demonstration
It is not intended as a production-ready forensic decision system.
License
This project is shared for academic and research purposes.
Please cite appropriately if reused or adapted.
Contact rmzuha@ukm.edu.my for more info.
Acknowledgement
This work builds upon standard practices in forensic entomology, environmental monitoring, and open-source scientific computing.