How to reading photo gps metadata for journalism and osint
- Step 1Receive the photo from a source — Save the uncompressed original — do not use a screenshot or socially-shared copy, as platforms strip EXIF on upload.
- Step 2Drop into the EXIF Map Previewer — The tool extracts all GPS fields: latitude, longitude, altitude, direction, and timestamp if present.
- Step 3Cross-reference with satellite imagery — Copy the decimal degree coordinates into Google Earth or SunCalc to confirm the location and verify the stated time of day matches sun angle in the image.
Frequently asked questions
Does sharing via WhatsApp or Twitter strip EXIF?+
Yes. Most social platforms and messaging apps strip EXIF on upload for privacy and storage reasons. Always work from the original unshared file to find GPS data.
Can GPS coordinates be faked in EXIF?+
Yes. EXIF data can be written or modified with freely available tools. GPS coordinates alone are not proof of location — cross-reference with image content, shadows, and identifiable landmarks.
Is there a legal consideration for reading source EXIF data?+
EXIF data embedded in a file you have received is generally accessible under the same terms as the file. However, publishing someone's location based on EXIF may raise privacy considerations — consult your publication's legal guidance.
Privacy first
Every JAD Security operation runs entirely in your browser. Files, passwords, and PGP private keys never leave your device — verified by zero outbound network requests during processing.