Google Earth Forensics on iOS 10’s Location Service

The easy access and common usage of GNSS systems has provided a wealth of evidential information that may be accessed by a digital forensic investigator. Google Earth is commonly used on all manner of devices for geolocation services and consequently has a wide range of tools that will relate real time and stored GNSS data to maps. As an aid to investigation Google Earth forensics is available for use. An investigator can use it by downloading geolocation data from devices and placing it on Google Earth maps, place geolocation data on historical archival maps, or by direct usage of the application in a device. In this paper Brian Cusack and Raymond Lutui review the Google Earth forensics tool and use a simplistic scenario to demonstrate the power of the application for courtroom walk-throughs. The entry-level tool is free and can be used effectively to enhance the presentation of geolocation data.