8. Geolocating Photos and Videos part 1

Mastering the Basics of Finding Exact Locations

Robert Bourgoing/20 November 2024

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Geolocating photos and videos is an essential skill for verifying their authenticity and context. Here’s a guide to basic techniques:

Start by examining every detail in the image or video. Textual clues, like signs or logos, can offer vital hints. For example, spotting “Halls Fish&Chips” alongside “Bedale” in a photo allows you to search Google Maps and confirm the location.

Use Google Street View to visually match a photo with its exact spot. Drag the Street View icon to the suspected location and compare the 360° view to the image. If necessary, check older snapshots in Google’s archives to estimate when the photo was taken.

For landmarks, monuments, or unique landscapes, tools like Google Lens are invaluable. A right-click search with Google Lens can reveal details about the location, often linking to coordinates on Wikipedia. Cross-reference this data in Google Maps for further confirmation.

If Google doesn’t suffice, try alternatives like Bing Streetside, Yandex Street Panoramas, or Baidu Street View for specific regions.

By combining critical observation with these tools, you can uncover the origins of photos and videos, effectively debunking false claims. Keep exploring, and let the details guide you to the truth!

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