a real - time system for determining the geographic movements of an individual or object by sampling particulates contained thereon . the system includes particle collection , sample preparations , and sample analysis using three primary modes of detecting certain particulates . the first mode involves the imaging of pollen , spores , or other biological material which are visible through a light microscope when properly stained or prepared . the second mode involves the use of real - time polymerase chain reaction to amplify and detect target nucleic acid sequences . the third mode involves the use of x - ray diffraction to identify mineral particles . the results from any mode , or any combination of modes , are analyzed by comparison to a reference database containing geographic information and the results are compiled by a controller for visual display .