Should Cell Site Location Data Be Comparied As GPS Data?

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While it is possible to argue for some individuals to argue that cell site location data should not be weighed as heavily as GPS data because GPS data is much more precise than cell site location data, cell site location data also gives more information than the public would deem “reasonable.” GPS devices are accurate within about 50 feet, which is enough accuracy to locate individual within a specific building. GPS systems are able to ‘tell a story,’ for example, a GPS system can tell that an individual went to local grocery store, the mall, the movies, and then returned home home. While a GPS system is able to locate the precise location of that individual, that would only be accurate if the GPS system was on that individual’s person. However, as shown in United States v. Skinner, the GPS device was located on the individual’s vehicle, giving only a rough estimate of that individuals location. Similarly, cell site location data could locate individual’s cellphones within a 120-degree radial wedge. While cell site location data gives a rough idea of the individual’s location and does not tell a story, so does tracking an individual with a GPS device located in their car. Therefore, if the Court in United States v. Skinner found that the GPS placement on the vehicle was a …show more content…

It is crucial to understand that the GPS system which was used in Jones was not incredibly accurate. In fact, the GPS system could only detect the location of the vehicle by only within 50 to 100 feet. It is important to also keep in mind that this location data tracks merely 50 to 100 feet from the vehicle, not the individual driving the vehicle who is more than likely to exit the car and travel a couple hundred feet more. Some cell cite location data is able to mimic the level of accuracy GPS systems can and is also important to keep in mind that technology on cell phone location data is merely just

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