Forensic Digital Photography and GPS with Google Earth

Integrating GPS Datainto Digital Photographsan Advanced Investigative and Demonstrative Technique
Dean A. Beers, CLI
Forensic Investigators of Colorado, LLC
Personal Injury, Negligence & Death / Criminal Defense
(970) 691-0813 / (970) 372-4717 fax
beersda@Forensic-Investigators.com

What is this?
Digital photography has generated many new ideas and possibilities with forensic photography. One is automatic embedding of GPS data into photos.
The higher-end manufacturers are building this capability into the camera, with limitations. They are also selling GPS devices to use with cameras, also with limitations.
www.Forensic-Investigators.com (970) 691-0813

What is this?
All standard GPS devices, and some vehicle and phone GPS devices, have the ability to generate and record route data, or tracking points. The data gathered varies – but generally always includes date, time, latitude, and longitude.
More advanced devices also include elevation and direction of travel. It is these more advanced features that are not in the camera manufacturers’ equipment.
We have created a unique system.

What is needed?
A reliable digital camera
(does not have to be a high-end model)
An advanced GPS unit
(specifically with the ability to obtain and record elevation)
Software that will download, read, and embed the data into the image (photograph) file
(this is the EXIF file – EXchange Information Format)

What is the process?
The camera and GPS unit must be set to the same time (within 30 seconds – as exact as possible. Remember to change your camera and GPS unit when the time changes)
Turn on the GPS unit and wait for the satellite tracking and locking to complete
Turn on the ‘Tracking’ feature (varies by model)
Wear the GPS unit (belt or neck lanyard)
Walk around and take photos
That is the EASY part!...

What next?
…Now for the HARD part!
After the photography is completed (assuming you had a location and weather suitable to GPS tracking), it is time to download the photos and data and begin the embedding process.
Save all of the photographs (using the protocol I review in my Forensic Photography presentation)
Save the GPS data (using a similar protocol)
Being familiar with the GPS embedding software, embed the data into the EXIF file and create a Google Earth file.

What will I see?
You will have the following files and folders:
Photographs (original and renamed GPS embedded)
GPS log file (original and renamed)
Google Earth file (should be named by the file when created)
Photo index file – a contact sheet

What will I see?Embedded Photographs
Date and Time from camera /EXIF
Date and Time from GPS
Latitude and Longitude
Elevation

What will I see?GPS Log File
The times are Greenwich Mean Times – in this example six hours must be subtracted

Sample EXIF file with GPS
Three sections: Camera Data, GPS Software, and GPS Data – synched data for accuracy

What will I see on Google Earth?
The next slide has an automatically starting video that will reveal how this highly demonstrative tool works. Here is what you will see:
Our agency will provide a single file with all of the data embedded needed for Google Earth, except the photos.
You must have Google Earth installed on your computer.
The Google Earth file will be on a CD, with the associated photos in a folder.
You must use the Google Earth file from the CD to interact with the associated photos (or copy the CD to a folder on your computer exactly as on the CD).
Simply click on the Google Earth file and the program will open and load the data and link to the photos automatically.
Zoom in and zoom out as needed. Click on a cluster of photos to reveal all nearby photos. Click on an individual photo to view that photo. It will be zoomed in about 300% - use the right-side and bottom slide bars with your mouse to navigate the photo.
The photo names appear on Google Earth and can be viewed from the folder of photos on the CD in standard viewing format.
Call us with any questions or guidance – we are glad to help!

What will I see on Google Earth?(automatic 4min 40sec video – no sound)

Your feed back is needed
Email beersda@Forensic-Investigators.com and let us know what level of interest there would be if we were to include this as a bonus chapter in our upcoming more detailed and concise 300-400 page Legal Investigators book!
Bonus chapters on a variety of investigative topics
Concise details on the concepts from our experience filled articles and presentations
Do you want a dynamic and experienced investigative speaker at your next conference? Skip Tracing, Forensic Photography, GPS and Photography, Autopsy Reports for the Investigator, Death Investigations, and more are ready! Contact us TODAY!

Thank You!