GEOINT: Seeing the World Through Coordinates (Part 6)

 In our previous post we discussed about Video OSINT.

In this blog we will discuss about GEOINT.

What is GEOINT?

GEOINT (Geospatial Open-Source Intelligence) is the practice of collecting, analyzing, and exploiting geospatial data from publicly available sources to answer intelligence questions.



In my opinion, it is one of the most powerful 💪🏻 and accessible forms of OSINT, because it turns abstract information into something you can see.

Core Philosophy

Every piece of information exists somewhere.

If you can find and visualize that location, you can often:

  • reveal hidden patterns

  • verify or debunk stories

  • track movements

  • uncover connections

Many things that are invisible in text become obvious once placed on a map.

Key Data Sources & Imagery

Satellite Imagery

  • Google Earth Pro / Google Maps
    The most accessible tools, with historical imagery. Useful, but not always the best.

  • Microsoft Bing Maps
    Sometimes provides better angles or more recent imagery.

  • Maxar (via Google Earth Pro, NASA WorldWind)
    High-resolution commercial imagery, often used for defense and disaster monitoring.

  • Sentinel Hub (Copernicus Browser)
    Free, frequently updated EU satellite data. Excellent for change detection such as construction or deforestation.

  • Planet Labs
    Daily satellite imagery, commonly used by researchers and NGOs.

Aerial & Oblique Imagery

  • Nearmap
    High-resolution aerial imagery (paid, used by governments and enterprises).

  • Bing Maps Bird’s Eye View
    Oblique (angled) imagery that reveals building facades.

  • Local Government GIS Portals
    Often provide high-quality orthophotos for specific regions.

Crowdsourced Geodata

  • OpenStreetMap (OSM)
    The “Wikipedia of maps.” Extremely detailed in many areas such as rural roads and building outlines.

  • Wikimapia
    User-annotated places with contextual descriptions.

Geotagged Media

  • Social Media
    Often overlooked, but extremely useful. Photos and videos may contain location tags.

  • Webcams & Traffic Cameras
    Provide live geographical context.

Core Techniques & Methodologies

Geolocation

Precisely determining where a photo or video was captured.

How it works:

  • Match landmarks, terrain, vegetation

  • Analyze shadows (for direction)

  • Study architectural styles, street signs, vehicles

Prime tool: Google Earth Pro (ruler, 3D buildings, historical imagery)

Change Detection

Comparing imagery from different dates to identify:

  • new construction

  • destruction

  • equipment movement

  • environmental changes

Tools: Google Earth Pro, Sentinel Hub Playground

Network Analysis & Route Mapping

  • Tracing possible routes between locations

  • Analyzing supply chains, smuggling paths, or logistics corridors

  • Using terrain and infrastructure data

Terrain & Elevation Analysis

Understanding:

  • line of sight

  • defensive positions

  • radio wave propagation

  • flood risks

Tools: SRTM elevation data, Tangram Heightmapper

Essential GEOINT Toolbox

Core Platforms

  • Google Earth Pro

  • Sentinel Hub

  • NASA WorldWind

  • Planet Explorer

Metadata

  • ExifTool

Overlay & Mapping

  • QGIS – free, open-source GIS software used by professionals

  • uMap – quick interactive maps using OSM layers

Street-Level

  • Google Street View (historical view is a goldmine)

  • Mapillary / KartaView (crowdsourced street imagery)

Specialized Tools

  • SunCalc / SunEarthTools – sun position and shadow analysis

  • GPS Coordinate Converters – DMS, DD, MGRS formats

Ethics & Best Practices

  • Do No Harm
    Geolocation can put individuals at risk. Always consider consequences before publishing.

  • Verify Before Trusting
    Corroborate with multiple independent sources.

  • Respect Privacy
    Avoid exposing private residences or sensitive locations.

  • Cite Sources
    Always note which satellite platform and imagery date you used.

  • Understand Limitations
    Imagery can be outdated, cloud-covered, or resolution-restricted.

Final Thought

GEOINT is not just about maps.
It’s about context, patience, and responsibility.

When done correctly, it transforms scattered information into clear spatial truth.

In the next post, we’ll connect OSINT techniques together and move toward practical investigation workflows.


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