IT Forensics · Drones

Forensic analysis of compass and IMU sensor data – the forensic use of position and motion sensors

Compass and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensors continuously record a drone’s position, orientation and acceleration values during flight, thereby providing detailed insights into its actual movement patterns.

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This sensor data can provide valuable additional clues as to the actual cause of the accident, particularly when investigating sudden changes in position, such as those occurring immediately before a fall.

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 analyse available compass and IMU sensor data in order to forensically reconstruct the actual position and motion dynamics of a drone during the relevant period.

Typical areas of application

Reconstruction of sudden changes in position prior to a fall
Distinguishing between a technical fault and external damage
Supplement to collision and crash investigations
Validation of other flight data sources
Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
Incident response for drone incidents

How a compass/IMU analysis works

Once the data has been saved, the available sensor data is extracted and checked for any conspicuous, sudden changes in position and motion values. These are correlated with other flight data, such as altitude and speed values, in order to obtain a consistent overall picture.

Why is compass/IMU analysis relevant in a forensic context?

An abrupt, unexplained change in position may indicate a technical fault, a collision or an external influence such as strong wind; distinguishing between these is of forensic significance.

Combining several independent sensor data sources makes the forensic findings more robust than if individual values were considered in isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does an IMU measure?+
Acceleration and rotation along multiple axes, from which changes in the drone’s orientation and motion can be derived.
Can IMU data provide conclusive evidence of a collision?+
When combined with other data sources, such as video or elevation data, they can provide strong evidence; however, analysing them in isolation is generally not sufficient.
Is this data saved every time the system crashes?+
This depends on the timing of a potential power cut and the last successful data save prior to the event.

LanCologne – IT Forensics Drones Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into the „forensic analysis of compass and IMU sensor data"? LanCologne can assist you in securing digital evidence in a manner that stands up in court, as well as in the transparent analysis of relevant drone artefacts.

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