GPS Tracking

 

The legal landscape is teeming with applications that have reshaped the practice of law. But are we fully utilizing the potential of technology in our legal matters? The answer is no. There are innumerable options for applications that can augment capabilities, particularly where electronic discovery is concerned, that any law firm can purchase or gain access to.

On the subject of geospatial data, there is unlocked potential within the data we collect. For example, smart devices such as phones, track and save an exorbitant amount of information about an individual. The common practice is to collect all data from the phone and focus on just a fraction of the information gathered, such as emails, text messages, browser history and photos. But a smart device can paint a much more visual portrait of events involving a user, through location services.

One of the most overlooked resources, in my opinion, is a users' geospatial data. Geospatial data is defined as data about the objects, events, or phenomena that have a location on the surface of the earth. But what does this information offer? It tells us a great deal about events leading up to a particular moment in time, in a specific location. In one use case, law enforcement would collect this data in a criminal investigation. It could help pinpoint where witnesses or a potential suspects' location was during a crime or other event.

The most important part of my studies involving criminal investigations, was determining Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. These questions help an investigator formulate an opinion about a series of events that is both logical and comprehensive. The prosecutor can then make the argument that based on the information gathered, their interpretation of events, is what likely occurred. Smart devices with location services can take the guess work out of answering some or all of these questions. But there is a lack of depth regarding the presentation of this data. Often it comes in a two dimensional format, such as charts or maps, that do not offer much perspective.

How can we best visualize this abundance of information? When we have an interest in creating a timeline of events for a particular person, we study the geolocation data chronicled on a phone. While plugging longitude and latitude coordinates collected into an application like Google Earth is possible, this is cumbersome. There are technology companies that a firm can partner with to develop a more visually appealing solution.

3D geospatial modelling applications (i.e. Cesium Ion, Collector for ArcGIS, Mapit GIS, etc.) can build a three-dimensional world around our clients data to show a vastly more advanced timeline of events. One that is both interactive and undeniable where facts about particular moments in time are concerned.

Regarding use cases, there are several real world examples of how this technology can be beneficial. One example from Cesium involves streaming your photogrammetry data, and merging with other data formats such as BIM/CAD in order to perform accurate analytics, such as Area and Slope Computations. Another success story from Cesium involves AGI's Commercial Space Operations Center (ComSpOC). AGI utilizes Cesium to track, in real time, tens of thousands of satellites with the goal for sustained safety in Space.

An example from the National Geospatial Advisory Committee site involves the Living Atlas of the World. The Drought Tracker presents data, both current and historic, regarding drought information for the purpose of identifying trends. It can be used to determine the environmental and economic impact over time. It has played a key role in preparedness and planning efforts from all levels of government.

Another use case is detailed on the ESRI Website, involving the Living Atlas of the World. Coronavirus cases are tracked with the Coronavirus Operations Dashboard for ArcGIS, configured by Johns Hopkins University, where the most up-to-date information about the spread of the contagion can be visualized.

In a time where augmented and artificial intelligences are becoming a reality, we need to maximize the potential of the data we are collecting. Geospatial data visualization is an untapped resource for most law firms. The Electronic Discovery and Practice Advisory Services Group at Cozen O'Connor is working to capitalize on the potential of this data, and the use of technology to better present it. There are use cases for construction law, litigation, recovery, criminal law/white collar crime, etc., where an interactive environment is much more effective as a visual solution. The usefulness of this technology extends beyond the legal realm and its importance in better presenting the facts of a case are undeniable.

By partnering with industry experts in the geospatial data sector, we can bridge the divide between innovative solutions and evident work product that our clients and a jury can easily digest and understand.

 

Stephen Johnson is an Assistant Director in the Electronic Discovery and Practice Advisory Services Group at Cozen O'Connor.  A Relativity Certified Administrator, Stephen's focus involves innovative solutions and consultative services with regard to Electronic Discovery. He can be reached at [email protected].