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3. Describe or
sketch a shoe print and describe the tread pattern, size and direction of
travel.
This footprint card could prove invaluable in the field. Print one today and stuff it in your backpack. Click here to download a PDF version of Footprint Card Click here to download a MSWord version of Footprint Card
Scroll down to see entire footprint card. & Explanatory text.
Our thanks to the Central Adirondack Search and Rescue Team
It requires a certain amount of practice to accurately measure and record the dimensions and characteristics of a footprint. In order to correctly measure the dimensions of a footprint it is necessary get your ruler or tape measure to the bottom of the track without disturbing the appearance or identifying marks within the track area. The soil tends to mush outwards when the foot impacts the ground and this can make the track seem much larger than the actual sole of the shoe. This tendency is most pronounced in wet or muddy soils. A small flexible tape measure is recommended which can be maneuvered into the track without damaging the tread pattern or other identifying marks. The most accurate way to read the tape measure is by using both hands to support the tape and place your head directly over the track so as to look straight down on the tape. You will need to record your measurements of the track onto a sheet of paper for later reference or to enable you to pass on the information to others. The information you record should include the overall length and width of each foot, the length and width of each heel and the stride length. All measurements should be taken at points of maximum dimension. Next a sketch is made of the pattern or identifying features of the track. This is not intended to be a work of art, just draw a general outline of the footprint showing the type of heel and as much of the tread pattern as it appears to you. Note such features as the grouping of lugs or stars, or the number and pattern of bars, circles, etc. that you see. This process may seem to take a lot of time, but taking the time to measure and draw the track at the beginning of the search will help to focus your attention on the track, ensuring that you will retain a more complete picture of it in your memory. Also, it gives you a visible record to help you describe your findings to others and to compare your track with those found in and around the search area by other searchers. Most of the time you will not find tracks with enough well defined features to allow you to record all of the measurements and tread pattern in any single track. However if you record all of the features visible in your first track, and keep adding details as you proceed along the line of sign, you will build up a very good record of what the sole of the shoe looks like. Remember to take your time. Don't let the heat of the moment rush you into doing a quick job so that you can get into the field faster thinking that you can always go back for another look. Even if you try to secure the area around a point last seen, there is no guarantee that someone won't come along and destroy the only good evidence that shows the subject was ever there. Our thanks to Bob Brady of Snohomish County Search and Rescue
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