how to Prepare an HTS Report?
Location, Network Relations and Legal Assessment in Digital Forensics
HTS report is one of the most requested technical report types today, especially within the scope of digital forensics consultancy. In criminal proceedings, the suspect’s connection to the crime scene, communication network, and mobility are revealed through HTS record examination. However, presenting HTS data in its raw form alone is not sufficient for it to be accepted as evidence in court.
So, how is an HTS report prepared, what steps does it involve, and how does it contribute to the defense?
HTS Report Analysis Criminal Forensics
What is HTS Data?
HTS (Communication Traffic System) data are digital records kept by GSM operators that include calls, messages, internet access, and location information made over a line. In legal proceedings, this data provides:
Who communicated with whom, when, and for how long?
Which location and base station were they connected to?
Are there relationship intensity or sequential call patterns?
scientific answers to these questions.
how to Prepare an HTS Report?
Obtaining HTS Records
Data is requested from operators through judicial authorities according to CMK Article 135. Received records are usually in .xls, .csv, .pdf formats.
Data Cleaning and Preparation
Zero-second or failed calls are filtered out.
Duplicate records are deduplicated.
Date-time formats are standardized.
Numbers, operators, and call directions are classified.
This stage is essential for producing an error-free and analyzable dataset.
Location and Base Station Analysis
The base station codes in HTS records show the location where the person was connected during the call.
For base station analysis:
APIs like CellMapper, OpenCellID are used.
Map-based visualization is performed.
If there are connections from multiple bases simultaneously, signal intensity matrices are evaluated.
Creating Relationship Network and Timeline
Relationship networks are mapped based on communication frequency, duration, and direction between individuals.
Organizational structure or coordination is determined through sequential call detection.
Routine communication patterns before and after the incident are analyzed.
Technical Report Format
The prepared HTS technical report is arranged as an expert witness report in accordance with CMK 67. The report includes:
Tools used (HTS Analysis, Python, Excel)
Visualizations and graphs
Location maps
Timelines and relationship matrices
Technical and statistical interpretation
Legal Assessment and Defense Strategy
According to Supreme Court decisions, HTS records alone are not sufficient to convict a person. Particularly:
Call durations of 0 seconds
Random communication with the same number
VOIP and incorrect IP matches can compromise evidence reliability.
As DNA Criminal and Digital Forensics, our HTS reports are prepared not only for technical accuracy but also according to legal validity principles. Each data point is analyzed to support the defense, and technical expert witness support is provided in court when necessary.
Why DNA Criminal and Digital Forensics?
CMK-compliant reporting
Expert witness supported defense service
Evidence integrity and verifiability
Ankara-based, serving all of Turkey
For Consultancy
You can reach our expert team for HTS report requests, technical analysis, or legal consultancy services:
0552 676 11 00