Using Google Earth Geo Location In Digital Forensic Investigations

Visualization: Google Earth provides a unique way to visualize digital evidence. Investigators can use Google Earth to create maps and timelines that show the movements of suspects and the locations of crime scenes. This can help investigators to understand the context of the crime and to identify potential leads.

Geolocation: Google Earth can be used to determine the geographic location of digital evidence. This information can be used to identify the location of crime scenes, to track the movements of suspects, and to locate witnesses.

Measurements: Google Earth can be used to measure distances and angles. This information can be used to create scale diagrams of crime scenes and to analyze the trajectories of projectiles.

Collaboration: Google Earth is a collaborative tool that allows multiple investigators to work on the same project. This can help to improve the efficiency of investigations and to ensure that all evidence is properly documented.

Collect data: The first step is to collect the digital evidence that will be analyzed. This evidence may include GPS data, cell phone records, and social media posts.

Import data: Once the evidence has been collected, it can be imported into Google Earth. Google Earth supports a variety of file formats, including KML, GPX, and CSV.

Analyze data: Once the data has been imported, it can be analyzed using Google Earth's tools. These tools include the ability to create maps, timelines, and measurements.

Present findings: The final step is to present the findings of the investigation. Google Earth can be used to create reports and presentations that can be shared with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other stakeholders.

In 2014, the FBI used Google Earth to track the movements of a suspect in a murder case. The suspect had fled the scene of the crime and was using a cell phone to communicate with his accomplices. The FBI was able to use Google Earth to identify the location of the suspect's cell phone and to track his movements. This information led to the suspect's arrest.

In 2016, the New York Police Department used Google Earth to analyze the trajectory of a bullet in a shooting case. The victim had been shot in the head and the police were trying to determine the location of the shooter. The police used Google Earth to create a 3D model of the crime scene and to trace the path of the bullet. This information led to the identification of the suspect.