1. The autonomous surveillance platform (ASP) detects movement and/or heat. In daylight it captures the image using a visible light camera, and at night it uses an infrared flash and camera to capture the image (the infrared flash is outside the range of human vision).
2. The captured image is stored as a high-resolution image on a removable storage device in the ASP. This preserves the chain of custody for the image in the ASP.
3. A low-resolution image is sent as an attachment to an email by cell phone. This reduces the required bandwidth and time for transmission.
4. An application server receives the email and using a web based software application (Drawbridge), displays the image for evaluation.
5. The image is displayed with the latitude/longitude coordinates on a map.
6. One or more viewers evaluate the image, and on the basis of the image send a “hit” notification, or hide the image from display on the viewer.

ASP units are not the single best answer to all surveillance needs, but they do have the capacity to function as an excellent surveillance asset in many situations.

1. They are designed to be event driven, meaning they only capture and transmit images when something triggers the camera. When something happens, an image is transmitted. The feed from the ASP unit does not require constant monitoring.
2. They use the existing cell phone infrastructure to transmit the images. In areas with cell coverage, this is a low cost haul back solution and in areas with limited cell coverage, long range antennas can be used to improve  transmission.
3. They are designed to be battery powered, and have added features that allow them to use external batteries for longer life.
4. The wildlife cameras, from which the ASPs are derived, are designed to function in the woods for an extended period of time. This means no additional modification or weatherproofing is generally required. 
5. They are low-cost, and continue to fall in price while adding features and extending battery life.