IT Forensics · Drones

Determining take-off and landing points using forensic analysis – reconstructing the start and end points of a flight

Many drones automatically record their geographical starting position on take-off – which is used, amongst other things, for the ‘Return to Home’ function – and can therefore provide an important forensic clue for determining the take-off location.

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The actual landing point can also often be reconstructed using the latest available position data or the location where the drone was found, which may be of particular forensic relevance in cases where the circumstances are unclear.

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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 analyse stored take-off and final position data in order to forensically reconstruct the starting point and presumed end point of a flight and to place them within the context of the investigation.

Typical areas of application

•Reconstruction of the actual departure point of a flight
•Determining the last known location prior to an incident
•Proof of a flight to or from a specific property
•Supplementing investigations into unauthorised drone use
•Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
•Cooperation with law enforcement agencies on drone-related offences

This is how a take-off/landing point analysis works

Once the data has been backed up, the initial position recorded at start-up and the last available position data prior to landing or signal loss are extracted. These are cross-referenced with other data sources, such as timestamps, in order to obtain as complete a picture as possible.

Why is take-off and landing point analysis relevant in a forensic context?

Evidence of where a drone was launched from can be crucial in identifying the operator responsible, particularly in incidents where the perpetrator is unknown.

The landing point may also be relevant, for example to determine whether a drone was deliberately recovered or hidden at a specific location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the starting point automatically saved for each drone?+
Most modern drones store a starting position for the Return-to-Home function, although the exact scope varies depending on the model.
Can the starting point be altered retrospectively?+
In principle, this is conceivable, which is why such data is always assessed in the context of other, independent data sources.
What if the drone isn’t found?+
In this case, the reconstruction is based primarily on available companion app or cloud data, where such data is available.

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LanCologne – IT Forensics Drones Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into „forensically determining take-off and landing points"? 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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