The New Mexico Decedent Image Database

provides researchers with access to whole human body computed tomography (CT) scans and a rich body of associated metadata.

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150,000,000
images

Over 50 TB
of CT data

Up to 69
associated data
fields per CT

Our dataset includes whole body CT scans of over 15,000 New Mexicans who died between 2010-2017. Each individual is represented by approximately 10,000 images. Slice thickness is 1 mm with 0.5 mm overlap.

CTs can be viewed using any DICOM viewer, and include normal and thin slice reconstructions for bone, lung, and brain. 3D reconstructions are possible with this data, depending on what viewer you use.

Metadata includes almost 60 variables about the individuals’ demography, life and death. These data are accessible for research separately from the CT scans. Check out the data dictionary for definitions.

How to use the database:

1. Request Access

Click here to request a username and password. You will need an email address from a university or other research organization to be approved for an account.

2. Search Metadata

Once you have an account, login and search the metadata. Select the variables of interest. There are lots to choose from. Click “Search” to see how many results meet your criteria. The search function can only return 1,000 records at a time, but you can serially limit your search. When you’re ready, click "View Results."

3. Select Records

Once you have an initial search, you can examine metadata for each record to decide if you would like to download the data or request scans. Metadata is accompanied by scout images, which are like large x-rays, to provide a basic view of each decedent. Select records to place in your cart by clicking on the green plus sign. Remove them by clicking on the red minus sign.

4. View Selections

Go to your cart to see the list of records you’ve selected. Click “Download Metadata” to receive a CSV file with the data for the individuals you have selected. Click “Request Images” to submit a research request. Your research request must be approved before you can download CT scans.

5. Request Images

Your research request should describe your inclusion and exclusion criteria, the research you plan to conduct, any specific hypotheses you have, results you expect, and benefits that might accrue. Click “Submit” and your request will be sent to our research committee.

6. Download Images

If your request is approved, you will receive an email describing how to access the scans you have requested.


Acknowledgements

National Institute of Justice logo

* This project was supported by Award No. NIJ 2016-DN-BX-0144, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this website are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Justice.

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What’s in the database

The NMDID is a free database that is comprised of high-resolution full body CT scans with associated demographic, lifestyle and health data. The following metadata may be present in the database (the amount of information varies on each decedent):

Census

  • Sex
  • Gender
  • Zip code (first three digits)
  • Birth year
  • Death year
  • Age in years
  • Age in months
  • Number of pregnancies
  • Number of live births
  • Marital status
  • Living weight
  • Living height
  • Race
  • Tribal affiliation
  • Ethnicity
  • Hispanic identification
  • Birth weight
  • Birth weight category
  • Birthplace
  • Birth country
  • Birth city
  • Birth state
  • Years in the US
  • Ancestor birthplace
  • Ancestor birth city
  • Ancestor birth state
  • Ancestor birth country

Health

  • Cancer
  • Congenital and genetic disorders
  • Chromosomal abnormalities
  • Dental health as an adult
  • Dental health as a child
  • Scoliosis
  • History of broken bones
  • Facial trauma
  • Plastic surgery
  • Surgery
  • Implants
  • Radiation therapy
  • Medical diagnoses
  • Notes on medical diagnoses
  • Medications
  • Substance usage
  • Quit date of substance
  • Years of substance usage
  • Tobacco type
  • Tobacco usage
  • Drinking status
  • Dietary pattern
  • Occupations
  • Activities
  • Strenuous lifting
  • Educational level
  • Socio-economic status as a child
  • Socio-economic status as an adult
  • Carcinogens

Circumstances of Death

  • Primary cause of death
  • Contributing cause of death
  • Manner of death
  • Identification method
  • Bone density
  • Death city
  • Death county/tribal land
  • Cadaver condition
  • Cadaver length
  • Cadaver weight
  • CT scan settings
  • Time delay after death
  • Decomposition score