TRADECRAFT: Geolocation Basics
The Concept
Geolocation is the art of finding exactly where a photo was taken using only the visual clues inside the image. You don’t need to be a genius; you just need to play a game of “Elimination.”
THE METHOD: “Look Up, Look Down”
Start with the things that cannot move.
1. The Sky (The Sun & Weather)
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Shadows: If the shadows are short, it is noon. If they are long, it is morning/evening.
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Satellite Dishes: In the Northern Hemisphere (USA/Europe), satellite dishes usually point South (towards the Equator). In the Southern Hemisphere, they point North. This instantly gives you a compass bearing.
2. The Ground (Infrastructure)
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Plugs: Look for power outlets. Three prongs (UK)? Two flat pins (USA)? Two round pins (Europe)?
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Road Lines: Yellow center lines = Americas (mostly). White center lines = Europe/Rest of World.
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Driving Side: Are the cars on the Left (UK, Japan, Australia) or Right (USA, Europe)?
3. The Flora (Plants)
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Palm Trees: Tropical.
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Pine Trees: Temperate/Cold.
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The “Birch” Rule: Specific trees only grow in specific latitudes. Use Google Lens on the trees in the background, not just the people.
LAB EXERCISE: The “Where Am I?” Game
Task: Go to GeoGuessr.com (Free version).
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Play one round.
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Don’t Guess: Before you click the map, force yourself to find three pieces of evidence:
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A language on a sign.
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The side of the road cars are driving on.
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The type of landscape (Desert? Forest?).
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The Result: See how much closer you get when you stop guessing and start analyzing.