<!-- Copyright (c) 2026 defconxt. All rights reserved. -->
<!-- Licensed under AGPL-3.0 — see LICENSE file for details. -->
---
name: performing-vehicle-tracking-analysis
description: >-
  Identify and track vehicles from imagery using license plates, vehicle
  features, fleet markings, and open registration databases. Cross-reference
  with traffic cameras, social media, and satellite imagery.
domain: cybersecurity
subdomain: investigation-attribution
tags:
  - vehicle-tracking
  - license-plates
  - fleet-analysis
  - traffic-cameras
  - osint
version: "1.0"
author: defconxt
license: AGPL-3.0
metadata:
  mitre-attack: []
---

# Performing Vehicle Tracking Analysis

## Overview

Vehicle tracking analysis identifies and traces vehicles across multiple sources
using license plates, distinguishing features, fleet markings, and damage
patterns. Combines imagery analysis with open vehicle registration databases.

## Prerequisites

| Requirement | Install |
|---|---|
| Python 3.10+ | Agent tooling |
| OpenCV | `pip install opencv-python` |
| Tesseract OCR | `sudo apt install tesseract-ocr` |

## Key Concepts

### Vehicle Identification Features

| Feature | Persistence | Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| License plate | Low (changeable) | High when visible |
| Make/model/color | High | Medium (common types) |
| Damage/modifications | High | High (unique) |
| Fleet markings | Medium | High |
| Roof racks/accessories | Medium | Medium |
| Tire/wheel pattern | Medium | Low-Medium |

### License Plate Formats by Region

| Region | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| UK | AA99 AAA | AB12 CDE |
| Germany | AAA AA 9999 | B MW 1234 |
| Russia | A999AA 99 | A123BC 77 |
| US (varies) | State-specific | ABC-1234 |

## Quick Reference

```bash
# Extract license plate from image
node agent.js plate-extract --image vehicle.jpg

# Look up vehicle registration (UK)
node agent.js vehicle-lookup --plate "AB12CDE" --country gb

# Identify vehicle make/model
node agent.js vehicle-identify --image vehicle.jpg

# Track vehicle across image set
node agent.js track-vehicle --plate "AB12CDE" --image-dir ./surveillance/
```

## Workflow

```
1. CAPTURE    — Identify vehicle in source imagery
2. EXTRACT    — Read license plate, note features
3. IDENTIFY   — Determine make, model, year, color
4. REGISTER   — Check against vehicle registration databases
5. CROSS-REF  — Search for same vehicle in other imagery
6. TIMELINE   — Build movement timeline from sightings
7. DOCUMENT   — Record all sightings with evidence
```

## Verification

```bash
tesseract --version
python3 -c "import cv2; print(f'OpenCV {cv2.__version__}')"
node agent.js --self-test
```

## References

- [UK DVLA Vehicle Enquiry](https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax)
- [Bellingcat Vehicle Identification Guide](https://www.bellingcat.com/resources/)
- [Tesseract OCR Documentation](https://tesseract-ocr.github.io/)
- [OpenCV Documentation](https://docs.opencv.org/)
