IT Forensics · Drones

Forensic reconstruction of flight routes and waypoints – Comparing planned and actual flight paths

In the case of automated or pre-programmed flights, users often set waypoints in advance, which are saved as a planned route and can be compared with the actual flight path.

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A comparison between the planned and actual routes can reveal whether and when there was a deviation from the original plan, which may be significant for the forensic analysis of an incident.

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.

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We reconstruct both the planned waypoints and the actual route flown using the available data, and compare the two in order to document any deviations in a manner that is forensically verifiable.

Typical areas of application

Comparison of planned and actual flight routes
Evidence of a deviation from the original flight plan
Study of automated, pre-programmed flights
Reconstruction of recurring flight patterns
Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
Incident response for drone incidents

This is how a flight route analysis is carried out

Once the data has been backed up, existing waypoint data and the actual recorded flight path are extracted. The two are then compared to identify any discrepancies and determine when they may have occurred and what might have caused them.

Why is flight path analysis relevant in a forensic context?

A deviation from the planned route may indicate a deliberate change made by the operator, a technical fault or an external influence; distinguishing between these can be of forensic significance.

In the case of recurring, automated flights, a pattern may also become apparent which suggests systematic, potentially unauthorised use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are waypoints saved on every flight?+
This applies only to automated flights that have been programmed accordingly; a manually controlled flight does not, as a rule, generate pre-defined waypoints.
How is a deviation from the route detected?+
By directly comparing the stored waypoint data with the actual position history recorded.
Can waypoint data also come from the Companion app?+
Yes, planned routes are often saved in the accompanying companion app as well, or exclusively there.

LanCologne – IT Forensics Drones Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into „forensically reconstructing flight paths and waypoints"? 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 data.

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