What types of location evidence may exist on a mobile device?¶
Mobile location evidence can come from satellite positioning, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, apps, photographs, navigation, searches, fitness, weather and account histories.
Sources answer different questions¶
Some records estimate coordinates; others show proximity to infrastructure or a user-entered destination. Background systems can create points automatically. Record source, time zone, timestamp meaning, accuracy estimate and triggering event.
Correlate precision and attribution¶
Compare independent location types with CCTV, travel, transactions, vehicle data and witnesses. A device or account location does not automatically place its usual user there.
GPS, Wi-Fi and cell-site mechanisms have distinct precision and failure modes.
Key takeaway
Identify the mechanism, accuracy and event behind every location record before using it to place a device, and attribute the person separately.
