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Independent forensic analysis of Android location history — Google Fused Location Provider, on-device caches, Google Maps Timeline, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth scans, cell-tower attaches, photo EXIF, and per-app CLLocation-equivalent caches — cross-corroborated into a defensible geospatial timeline.
Quick Answer. Android location evidence is multi-source. On-device: the Fused Location Provider caches under /data/data/com.google.android.gms/, per-app last-known-location caches, WifiScanner scan history, Bluetooth scan results, telephony cell attach records in the Radio Interface Layer logs, and photo EXIF in MediaStore. Off-device: Google Maps Timeline (Location History) via the Google account, retrievable through Google Takeout. Corroborating three or more independent artifacts produces a location narrative that withstands Daubert scrutiny.
| Artifact | Path / source | What it proves |
|---|---|---|
| Fused Location Provider caches | /data/data/com.google.android.gms/databases/ and /files/ | Best-fix location samples used by apps |
| Google Maps Timeline | Google account (Takeout: Semantic Location History / Location History JSON) | Server-side visits, activity segments, transport mode |
| Per-app last-known location | /data/data/ | Coordinates each app cached from FusedLocationProviderClient |
| Wi-Fi scan results | /data/misc/wifi/ and Radio logs | BSSID observations that geolocate to known networks |
| Bluetooth scans | bt_stack logs, /data/misc/bluedroid/ or /data/misc/bluetooth/ | BLE beacons observed (retail, transit) |
| Cell attach | /data/vendor/radio/, dumpsys telephony.registry | MCC/MNC/LAC/CID attach records |
| Photo EXIF + MediaStore | external.db ZLATITUDE/ZLONGITUDE, on-disk EXIF | GPS coordinates at capture time |
| Google Photos backup metadata | /data/data/com.google.android.apps.photos/ | Backup timestamps and location per asset |
| Weather / Maps apps | com.google.android.apps.maps app_gws/ cache | Recent searches, directions, dropped pins |
When the Google account has Location History enabled, Google Maps Timeline is the single most detailed on-account record: minute-level visits, activity segments (walking / driving / cycling / transit), inferred stops, and confidence scores. This is retrievable via Google Takeout as Semantic Location History JSON per month or as raw Location History (records.json). In 2024 Google began migrating Timeline to on-device storage; recent devices store Timeline under /data/data/com.google.android.apps.maps/ rather than server-side. Both sources are examined.
Even when Location Services is off, Android continues to observe Wi-Fi BSSIDs and cell attaches. We match BSSIDs against WiGLE and manufacturer databases to place devices at named venues. Cell attach records (MCC/MNC/LAC/CID) locate the device to the serving-cell footprint (typically 200 m urban, up to 5 km rural).
Photos captured by the built-in Camera embed EXIF GPS when the user granted location access, and MediaStore’s external.db mirrors latitude/longitude. Google Photos preserves original EXIF and location on the account even after on-device deletion. Deleted photos frequently survive in the Google Photos Trash for 60 days.
Testimony holds up when at least three independent artifact types agree. For a claim “the device was at 41.8781°N, 87.6298°W at 14:22 on March 3”:
Elite Digital Forensics is an independent, defense-aligned Android forensics practice. We are retained by attorneys, in-house counsel, and, where appropriate, individuals and businesses directly. Every engagement begins with a scoped acquisition plan, hash-verified evidence, and a written report suitable for attorney review, negotiation, or court. When retained through counsel, our work product is protected. See the Android Forensics hub for the full analytical framework we bring to every matter.
Only with lawful process (subpoena, warrant, court order) or the account owner’s consent. We regularly work with counsel to structure lawful preservation requests before content is aged out by Google.
Fused Location Provider caches, per-app location caches, Wi-Fi and cell observations, and photo EXIF may still record locations. Location History being off does not disable location entirely — it disables the Timeline aggregation.
Typically 5–50 m urban, 20–500 m rural. Confidence and radius are recorded per visit and disclosed in our reports.
It can be edited by the account owner in the Maps UI; every edit is logged with a timestamp, and edited entries are visible in Takeout exports.
Tell us about the device, the accounts, and the timeframe. We will tell you what is recoverable, what is not, and what it will cost.
Request Confidential Consultation Call (833) 292-3733This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Elite Digital Forensics provides independent digital forensic services and expert witness testimony; we do not provide legal representation. Every case is fact-specific; outcomes depend on the evidence, jurisdiction, and counsel. Retain qualified legal counsel for advice about your matter.
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