Final answer:
An investigation involving the collection and analysis of computer media is known as digital forensics, which plays a crucial role in modern criminal investigations and crime mapping.
Step-by-step explanation:
An investigation that preserves, identifies, retrieves, documents, and interprets computer media is called digital forensics. This field is integral to modern criminal investigations, as it provides the tools to analyze electronic evidence.
For instance, forensic scientists can leverage GIS (Geographic Information System) for crime mapping and analysis, which allows the digital plotting of crime data, aiding in the generation of forensic geography. Digital forensics plays a pivotal role in extracting and analyzing samples such as hair, blood, and other body fluids, as well as processing DNA evidence found across various materials and environments.
The prevalence of cybercrime has escalated the importance of digital forensics in both extracting meaningful data and in aiding law enforcement in piecing together digital evidence. Forensic science overall has gained attention, thanks to TV shows and advancements in molecular techniques and DNA databases, expanding the scope of work for forensic scientists.