IT Forensics · Drones
Forensic analysis of flight mode and control data – Distinguishing between manual and automated control
Drones can be operated in various flight modes, ranging from fully manual control through semi-automatic assistance functions to fully automated, pre-programmed flights, with the currently active mode often being logged.
Knowing which flight mode was active at the time of the incident can be crucial in determining whether an event was caused by pilot error or by the behaviour of an automated system.
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 recorded flight mode and control data to determine which mode a drone was operating in at a given point in time and how this affected its observed flight behaviour.
Typical areas of application
This is how an air mode analysis works
Once the data has been backed up, logged changes to the flight mode are extracted and chronologically organised within the flight sequence. The mode active at the time of a relevant event is identified separately and documented.
Why is the analysis of flight mode relevant in a forensic context?
Distinguishing between human error and automated system behaviour can be of crucial importance when determining liability in the event of an incident.
The question of whether an assistance system, such as an obstacle detection system, was active may also be relevant to the assessment of a collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
LanCologne – IT Forensics Drones Cologne
Do you require a professional forensic investigation into „forensic analysis of flight mode and control data"? LanCologne can assist you in securing digital evidence in a manner that stands up in court, as well as in the transparent evaluation of relevant drone artefacts.
Related to this topic
- Forensic analysis of compass and IMU sensor data – the forensic use of position and motion sensors
- Forensic analysis of barometer data – the forensic use of air-pressure-based altitude measurement
- Forensic analysis of flight logs – systematically reconstructing stored flight data
- Analysing GPS telemetry data from drones – forensically reconstructing position data