Geolocation Image Mapping

A geolocation image mapping is a technology that is used to ascertain the location of an object or an individual in the geo-spatial or virtual environment. With the help of your smartphone’s built-in GPS the location-based services can access your current location and publish it. Many apps like Facebook, Foursquare, etc. enable the user to check-in at places using their smartphones and then share the location on social media.

Geolocation service is mainly used for below-mentioned services:

• Geo-positioning

Geo-positioning is the process to ascertain the physical location of an individual or object with reference to a map.

• Geo-coding

Geo-coding refers to searching a particular object or service on the map. For example, searching for a store selling a particular type of product.

• Geo-tagging

This is the process of adding geographic location to an object such as an image or a video.

How Are Images Embedded With Geolocation Attributes?

When an image is clicked, the earth coordinates, which are accurate up to 1 meter of distance, get embedded in it. Apart from the location at which the image was clicked, metadata like elevation, bearing, etc. also get embedded along with the latitude and longitude coordinates of the location. During geolocation image mapping; using this information, the images can be easily categorized and managed.

All this only happens when the option Location Services is enabled in the user phone. The images that are clicked with a smartphone are automatically embedded with the geolocation information when this option is enabled. This option when selected, uses the GPS, Bluetooth, crowd-sourced Wi-Fi hotspot and the cell tower locations for determining the approximate location of the device. Thus, whenever an image is clicked whilst this option is in an enabled mode, information like EXIF version, longitude and latitude co-ordinates, altitude, etc. get attached to the properties of the image.

Conducting Geolocation Image Mapping & Analysis

Geolocation feature proves to be of great use when it comes to investigate criminal cases. In order to prove an accused guilty or innocent of the concerned crime, deep analysis of the collected evidence is conducted. This involves close observation of the activities in which the culprit was involved in, before and after the crime was conducted. Analysis of the images with the help of its geolocation gives a clear idea to the investigators to get acquainted with the whereabouts of the culprit. In addition to this, in case a culprit is on run, if even a single image is taken mistakenly whilst the Location feature is on, the location of the culprit can be accessed.

The easiest way to access the location at which the image was taken, the latitude, longitude and altitude co-ordinates should be matched on a map. Since the GPS co-ordinates are in a standard format and unique, the only thing which needs to be done is matching the co-ordinates to a location on the map. This will help you locate the image location in real time.

Geolocation image mapping is a reliable method that can enable the users to get the accurate location of the place where a particular image was clicked. This method not only is helpful as an evidence in proving the culprits guilty of an already committed crime but also can prevent a crime from taking place. By locating the location, with the help of the last images taken, a lost or kidnapped individual can be found.

Sofia Christen is a Digital Forensics Researcher and writing a blog on latest technology is her passion.