Scotland Yard about to commence digs in and around Praia da Luz.

[pegasus]

In 2007 aerial images looks like most of that site had zero to low vegetation cover with exception of NE corner where there was some bush / tree cover.

[Silkywhiskers]

In 2007 aerial images looks like most of that site had zero to low vegetation cover with exception of NE corner where there was some bush / tree cover.

You have to wonder if only torches were shined across it that night...

[Martina]

I checked your measurement and yes very good, the closest point which  is reported be included in the upcoming ground surveys (initially radar and dog) is indeed very close to exactly 100 metres away.

Assuming they are not looking for Maddie's body, but for items of clothing, and that Maddie was abducted... Why would the abductor bury any belongings of his victim almost on a doorstep of her parents flat?

[icabodcrane]

Assuming they are not looking for Maddie's body, but for items of clothing, and that Maddie was abducted... Why would the abductor bury any belongings of his victim almost on a doorstep of her parents flat?

This question has been puzzling me as well Martina

I just can't think of a senario in which an abductor would bury  anything  so close to the crime scene

I mean he made a clean getaway  ...  why on earth would he stop,  or come back,  to bury something  ?

It just makes no sense and leads me to believe these digs have nothing at all to do with any abduction theory

Welcome to the forum by the way 

[pegasus]

... I am unable to identify any suitable digging place 100 metres away from 5A ...

Item 1 on your list is a large area of land, a corner of which about 100m away.

[Carana]

Is there any certainty as to where any digs are supposed to be taking place (if indeed digging has been confirmed), or has "ground activity" and permission to dig if needed led to media speculation as to where such digging will occur?

[icabodcrane]

Is there any certainty as to where any digs are supposed to be taking place (if indeed digging has been confirmed), or has "ground activity" and permission to dig if needed led to media speculation as to where such digging will occur?

If it were a case of  getting permission to dig in the event of it becoming necessary some time in the future  it  would not explain that military helicopter hovering over the resort

Nor would it explain the choice of particular areas for excavation ... why would the police specify certain areas if there was not, as yet,  any specific reason for doing so  ? 

[Martina]

This question has been puzzling me as well Martina

I just can't think of a senario in which an abductor would bury  anything  so close to the crime scene

I mean he made a clean getaway  ...  why on earth would he stop,  or come back,  to bury something  ?

That would be too risky, and, well, what could he achieve by this? By burying any items he wouldn't get any attention or press coverage, and it's not possible to leave any message to victim's family this way. And there are ten thousand less risky ways for an abductor to get rid of a potential evidence.

It just makes no sense and leads me to believe these digs have nothing at all to do with any abduction theory

That's what I thnk too. Whatever the SY want to find, they don't have any abdoctor theory on their mind right now.

Welcome to the forum by the way

Thank you, Icabodcrane :)

[John]

Is there any certainty as to where any digs are supposed to be taking place (if indeed digging has been confirmed), or has "ground activity" and permission to dig if needed led to media speculation as to where such digging will occur?

The special photographs which were taken around Praia da Luz by the Portuguese Air Force last week will play a part in determining which areas are worthy of further investigation.  The geo-radar and the dogs will then be deployed to narrow the search zone yet further.  Add to this the utilities records of any trenches which were open or other excavations which were taking place on 3rd May 2007 and you will get an idea of how big a task this is.

[pegasus]

Measuring actual walking distance (not straight line) IMO the closest part, of the large area to be searched, is 150 metres walk from the bedroom.
(for comparision: the restaurant table is 75 metres walk from the bedroom).
 

[pegasus]

The special photographs which were taken around Praia da Luz by the Portuguese Air Force last week will play a part in determining which areas are worthy of further investigation...

Yes and I believe the photography would also have included imaging at near-infra-red, and ultraviolet, wavelengths.

[Carana]

If it were a case of  getting permission to dig in the event of it becoming necessary some time in the future  it  would not explain that military helicopter hovering over the resort

Nor would it explain the choice of particular areas for excavation ... why would the police specify certain areas if there was not, as yet,  any specific reason for doing so  ?

The helicopter would qualify as "ground activity" in a broad sense, wouldn't it? Wouldn't a rog about ground activity cover everything from aerial recon to potential digging?

On the second point, it's not clear to me whether any specific areas are anything more than media speculation. It doesn't take much imagination to think that an area of wasteland might be a potential site.

[pegasus]

I hope the dig does go ahead...the sooner the better

Agreed. IMO especially the north corner closest to block 4 carpark as it was the only part with good tree/bush cover preventing being seen from overlooking buildings. It is a combination of proximity, and concealment from view, applicable whatever scenario one happens to consider IMO.

[pegasus]

The UK expert helicopter survey in July 2007 did not select the plot west of block 4 for ground survey.
Instead it selected other plots further away, north of Rua Ramalhete.
IMO because the selections then were biased by an assumption that the concealer went east/northeast.
No such assumption now.

[colombosstogey]

The UK expert helicopter survey in July 2007 did not select the plot west of block 4 for ground survey.
Instead it selected other plots further away, north of Rua Ramalhete.
IMO because the selections then were biased by an assumption that the concealer went east/northeast.
No such assumption now.

So where is all the digging not happened yet then? Are SY still in PDL? I have kind of given up with the case to be honest as nothing really happening just tripe in the papers.