Mobile device geolocation has become a critical evidential source in digital investigations. This briefing examines how smartphones determine location using GNSS, cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and device sensors. It explores the reliability of these technologies, the risks of spoofing and manipulation, and how investigators can validate location data through multi-source correlation and forensic analysis to strengthen evidential confidence.

The UK is strengthening national resilience by overhauling its Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) infrastructure—vital for transport, energy, finance and digital services. With rising threats from GNSS jamming, spoofing and electronic warfare, the UK is shifting to a layered, secure PNT architecture to protect critical systems and ensure continuity across the modern digital economy.