What is the main advantage of using a raking light for locating footprints?

Using a raking light to locate footprints is highly effective because it emphasizes subtle changes in the ground surface. When light is directed at a low angle across the terrain, the shadows that are cast can reveal even minor variations in the ground's texture and elevation. This enhancement is crucial in search and rescue operations where understanding the subtle nuances can assist in distinguishing footprints from other disturbances in the soil or terrain.

In the context of locating footprints, being able to discern these variations can guide searchers to find critical evidence, which would be less visible under standard lighting conditions. This technique of using a raking light is particularly beneficial in environments that might not show clear prints but have slight imprints or disturbances that could be pivotal in tracking.

While there may be advantages related to the visibility of colors, textures, or depth, the primary benefit lies in the ability of raking light to illuminate those subtle changes that directly correlate to locating and identifying footprints.