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CASTVIZ is a specialized geospatial analysis tool designed primarily for law enforcement and telecommunications analysts. Its core function is to ingest raw Call Detail Records (CDR), cell site data, and other geolocation feeds to visualize the historical movements of targets and identify patterns of life.
Unlike general GIS tools (like ArcGIS or Google Earth), CASTVIZ is optimized for telecommunications mapping, meaning it understands the relationship between a cell tower’s sector azimuth and a target’s phone location.
Because we beta-tested this with 50 foundries last quarter. The results were undeniable:
We felt these features were too powerful to bury in a standard "Version 3.2" patch note. You deserve to know exactly how we’ve changed the game.
CASTViz is a specialized geographic information system (GIS) software developed by the FBI's Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST) to help law enforcement visualize and analyze cellular data.
While it is an internal tool, several high-quality blog posts and resources detail its features and importance in modern investigations:
FBI Exposes Cellular Data Evidence Availability: This post by Sensei Enterprises discusses how CASTViz is used to plot call detail records (CDRs) and tower data to visualize a suspect's movements.
FOIA Request Reveals FBI Data Analysis: An article from Criminal Legal News explains how the tool is versatile enough to cross-reference data from social media and automated license plate readers, not just cell provider records.
CASTViz GitLab Repository: For technical details, the Official GitLab mirror provides a "well-documented" overview of its software stack (React, Electron, SQL H2) and setup instructions for developers.
VA Technical Reference Model: The VA.gov TRM page confirms that CASTViz is a "no licensing fee" technology used for lead generation and investigative purposes, noting its unique functionality for plotting geospatial records. Key Features for Law Enforcement
Visual Movement Mapping: Converts complex CSV/Excel call records into interactive maps and animated timelines. castviz software exclusive
Data Normalization: Automatically parses and organizes tower data from various carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) into a unified format.
Lead Generation: Identifies "first and last call" locations of the day to help establish a suspect's home or hideout.
Free for Law Enforcement: Provided at no cost to law enforcement agencies through the National Domestic Communications Assistance Center (NDCAC). CAST / castviz - GitLab
CASTViz is a specialized geographic information system (GIS) developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It is designed primarily for the Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST) to parse, organize, and visualize complex cellular data for law enforcement and investigative purposes. 🛠️ Core Capabilities
CASTViz converts raw telecommunications data into actionable intelligence through several key functions:
Data Parsing: Automatically organizes Call Detail Records (CDRs) and tower data, typically from CSV or Excel files.
Geospatial Visualization: Plots cell-site locations and tower sectors on interactive maps to track movements or establish patterns.
Lead Generation: Identifies potential suspect "hideouts" or homes by analyzing the first and last calls made each day.
Cross-Referencing: Integrates non-cellular data, such as social media records, digital advertising IDs, and automated license plate reader (ALPR) logs. 💻 Technical Architecture
The software is built on a modern, cross-platform stack but is primarily developed and optimized for macOS and Linux. CASTVIZ is a specialized geospatial analysis tool designed
Frontend: Developed using React, LESS, and HTML, running within an Electron wrapper.
Backend: Utilizes an embedded Jetty server running on OpenJDK Java.
Database: Powered by a SQL H2 Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). ⚖️ Usage & Compliance
Because CASTViz handles sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and criminal justice data, it is subject to strict regulatory frameworks:
Access Control: Primarily reserved for FBI personnel and authorized state, local, or tribal law enforcement partners.
Regulatory Standards: Users must comply with VA Handbooks 6102/6500 and NIST/FIPS standards regarding sensitive data protection.
Availability: While sometimes categorized as "freeware" within government circles, it has no associated licensing fee for authorized agencies. ⚠️ Known Risks & Limitations
Security Vulnerabilities: Some versions (e.g., v35.0.0) have been noted for using outdated Java JDK versions (17.0.2.0).
Support: As a non-commercial government tool, it lacks enterprise-level support channels common in proprietary software.
Privacy Concerns: Its ability to plot detailed location history has raised civil liberty and racial equity concerns in various surveillance reports. Because we beta-tested this with 50 foundries last quarter
If you are drafting this for a legal case, technical manual, or policy review, please let me know. I can help you:
Detail the legal admissibility of CASTViz evidence in court.
Outline a training curriculum based on the FBI's CAST Basic Cell Site Analysis. Draft technical setup guides for law enforcement IT teams. CASTViz - VA.gov
A step-by-step example of how to use CASTVIZ effectively.
Step 1: Define the Time Window Input the date range of the incident into the Timeline Filter. Clear all data outside this window.
Step 2: Filter the Target Input the target’s phone number into the filter bar. The map will populate with sector cones for that specific device.
Step 3: Cross-Reference Known Locations Do you know the suspect claims to be at home?
Step 4: Exporting Intelligence Once the pattern is established, go to Export > Report.
For a standard Cell Tower/CDR import, the CSV or Excel file usually requires the following columns: