Soil scientist referring to a map of soil types in Scotland. Soil samples collected from crime scenes and from suspects can provide important evidence in criminal investigations. The soil can be analysed using microscopes, x-ray diffraction and DNA sequencing to provide detailed information on soil composition. This information can be compared to a soil type database and matched to a geographical location. This evidence can be used to trace the movements of the suspect in relation to the crime. Photographed at the Macaulay Institute, Aberdeen, UK.