IT Forensics · Car

Forensic reconstruction of navigation data – Analysing saved routes and destinations

Car sat-nav systems often store a history of destinations entered, routes travelled and, in some cases, favourite addresses, which may make it possible to reconstruct the journeys taken.

Enquire without obligation

This data may be stored both in the vehicle itself and, where a cloud connection is available, by the manufacturer; this is taken into account during the forensic investigation.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

The examination is, as a matter of principle, carried out exclusively on a forensic copy, a forensic image or a data source captured in a technically equivalent manner that preserves the integrity of the evidence. The original evidence remains unchanged and is stored in a manner that preserves its integrity.

Our services

We systematically collect and analyse available navigation data from the vehicle in order to forensically reconstruct the routes travelled and the destinations entered.

Typical areas of application

•Reconstruction of distances travelled
•Proof of having been in a specific place at a specific time
•Study of recurring driving patterns
•Supplementing accident and incident investigations
•Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
•Cooperation with law enforcement agencies in relation to traffic offences

This is how a navigation data analysis works

Once the data has been backed up, existing destination histories and route data are extracted and organised chronologically. Any notable gaps or inaccuracies are documented and, where possible, cross-checked against other data sources.

Why is the analysis of navigation data relevant in a forensic context?

Evidence of a specific route or destination may be crucial for reconstructing driving behaviour prior to an incident or for proving that the driver was at a particular location.

As navigation data may be deleted or not stored under certain circumstances, the reliability of the relevant data is always assessed critically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is navigation data stored permanently?+
This depends on the specific system configuration and whether older entries are automatically deleted.
Can deleted destinations be restored?+
To some extent, depending on the storage medium and when the data was deleted.
Is cloud-based navigation data also included?+
Provided it is available and can be accessed with the appropriate authorisation, yes.

LanCologne – Vehicle IT Forensics, Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into „forensic reconstruction of navigation data"? LanCologne can assist you in securing digital evidence to a standard that will stand up in court, as well as in the transparent analysis of relevant vehicle artefacts.

Get in touch now