Mobile evidence guidance
Can a phone establish someone’s location?
A phone may contain several location indicators, but each has different precision and meaning. GPS, Wi-Fi, cell, photographs, application records and account history should be correlated rather than treated as a single definitive point.
Potential evidence sources
Where relevant records may exist.
- Device location databases
- Map and navigation applications
- Photograph and video metadata
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth records
- Cellular and network records where lawfully available
- Cloud account location history
Decision factors
What materially changes the prospects.
- 01Source accuracy and retention
- 02Whether the device was with the person
- 03Time-zone and clock correctness
- 04Background versus user-initiated records
- 05Corroboration with independent events
Evidential limitations
What must not be overstated.
Device location is not automatically person location
Some records are estimates rather than GPS fixes
Location services may be disabled, sparse or manipulated
Sources and interpretation
Each entry identifies its limited supporting proposition and documentation-check date. General methodology is not a current device-support list. These checks are not laboratory validation; availability and method suitability require assessment for the exact source and configuration.
- Google Maps Timeline
Device-held records, optional backup and exports must be distinguished.
Platform documentation · Documentation checked
- NIST mobile device forensics guidance
Methodological background (2014), not a current device-support list.
General methodology · Documentation checked
Confidential case review
