勘验 (kān yàn) is a formal noun meaning 'forensic examination' or 'official on-site inspection.' It combines 勘 (kān), meaning 'to survey, inspect, or investigate,' and 验 (yàn), meaning 'to verify, examine, or test.' Together, they denote a systematic, authoritative process—often conducted by police, judges, or technical experts—to gather physical evidence, document conditions, or assess facts at a scene (e.g., crime scenes, accident sites, or disputed property boundaries).

This term is highly specialized and appears almost exclusively in legal, judicial, or administrative contexts. It implies official authority, procedural rigor, and documentary purpose—not casual observation. While it can technically apply to non-criminal inspections (e.g., environmental or construction assessments), its most frequent usage remains within the justice system, especially during criminal investigations or civil litigation preparation.