3D face reconstruction algorithms from images and videos are applied to many fields, from plastic surgery to the entertainment sector, thanks to their advantageous features. However, when looking at forensic applications, 3D face reconstruction must observe strict requirements that still make its possible role in bringing evidence to a lawsuit unclear. An extensive investigation of the constraints, potential, and limits of its application in forensics is still missing. Shedding some light on this matter is the goal of the present survey, which starts by clarifying the relation between forensic applications and biometrics, with a focus on face recognition. Therefore, it provides an analysis of the achievements of 3D face reconstruction algorithms from surveillance videos and mugshot images and discusses the current obstacles that separate 3D face reconstruction from an active role in forensic applications. Finally, it examines the underlying data sets, with their advantages and limitations, while proposing alternatives that could substitute or complement them.

翻译：基于图像和视频的3D人脸重建算法凭借其优势特性，已广泛应用于从整形外科到娱乐产业的多个领域。然而，在法医取证场景中，3D人脸重建必须满足严苛要求，这使其在诉讼中作为证据的可能性仍不明朗。目前尚缺乏关于其在法医学中应用约束条件、潜力与限制的系统性研究。本综述旨在阐明这一问题，首先厘清法医应用与生物特征识别（尤其是人脸识别）之间的关系。继而分析了从监控视频和面部照片中重建3D人脸的算法进展，并探讨了当前阻碍3D人脸重建在法医取证中发挥积极作用的关键障碍。最后，本文审视了现有数据集及其优劣，同时提出了可替代或补充现有方案的研究路径。