Citation

Melcher DJ, Keller RE, Przybyla JJ, Rush TN. Collision 2011; 6(2): 56-62.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Collision Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Global positioning system (GPS) data increasingly is being used in accident reconstruction. However, some GPS data sources have limitations that can lead to incorrect conclusions or misapplications. This paper discusses how the challenge of tying GPS data into other sources of collision evidence can be overcome through careful analysis. Real world examples are used to illustrate the appropriate mathematical calculation and analytical procedures. Time intervals and distance intervals can be acquired or calculated from GPS data. However, GPS data often requires interpolation, where a variable's value over time is projected in between two known datapoints. Accident reconstructionists should use caution when interpolating GPS data not to assume either constancy or a straight-line function. GPS data review can be particularly useful in collision reconstruction assignments involving location, vehicle presence or absence, relative position, stopping vs. moving speed, acceleration and deceleration, distance/time lines, context and driver performance and avoidance. Although the data obtained from GPS sources can be useful, any spatial application of GPS data should be integrated with traditional collision reconstruction techniques.