Often I get the question: Hey Nico, do you know any good geolocation or mapping sources that are not so well known?
Mapping tools are indispensable for geolocation, validation, and contextual analysis in OSINT. While traditional mapping platforms like Google Maps, Bing Maps, Yandex Maps, and DuckDuckGo Maps are widely used, they can sometimes hit their limitations. Whether it’s the lack of localised data, outdated imagery, or restrictions on detail, these tools may not always provide the depth of information needed for complex investigations.
So what steps can you take in case you get stuck with these traditional mapping/geolocation sources?
Fortunately, there are alternative mapping tools that leverage crowdsourced features to enrich maps with additional layers of information, images, and even videos.
Alternative Mapping Tools in OSINT
The real strength of these alternative mapping tools lies in their ability to tap into the collective knowledge and perspectives of a global community. They offer insights that go beyond what traditional platforms can provide, opening up new possibilities for OSINT investigations. For example, when faced with areas poorly covered by mainstream maps, these platforms’ crowdsourced contributions can fill critical gaps. Additionally, the real-time updates from user uploads ensure that the data remains relevant and reflective of current conditions.
Mapillary
Mapillary is a platform that stands out for its collection of street-level imagery contributed by a global community of users. What makes Mapillary especially valuable is its collaborative approach, which allows for detailed coverage of areas often overlooked by major mapping services. Imagine you are trying to verify the location of an event captured in a video (perhaps a protest, a road accident, or a weather-related incident).
Using Mapillary begins with accessing its platform, either through the website or the dedicated app. The interface allows users to search for areas of interest and explore them virtually through street-level imagery. The app enables users to upload their own photos, enriching the platform with new perspectives. This feature is particularly useful in remote or less-documented regions, where traditional mapping services may fall short. Additionally, Mapillary integrates seamlessly with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), making it an excellent tool for combining visual data with other geospatial datasets.
Besides verification, Mapillary’s imagery can be used to analyze changes over time. For example, if you’re investigating urban development or environmental changes, comparing historical imagery with recent uploads can reveal significant transformations. This capability is great for OSINT practitioners focusing on long-term trends or patterns.
Source: https://www.mapillary.com/
KartaView
KartaView emphasizes on user-generated content. Unlike proprietary platforms, KartaView operates as an open-source initiative, which means its data is accessible to anyone willing to explore or contribute. For an OSINT investigator, this openness translates into an invaluable resource for uncovering details that might be missing elsewhere.
Consider a scenario where you’re tasked with identifying the location of a photograph that features rural landmarks, such as a barn or an unmarked road. Traditional maps might offer little to no detail in such areas. KartaView, on the other hand, could provide user-uploaded images capturing those very landmarks, complete with visual cues like road signs, unique building features, or vegetation patterns. By browsing the platform’s imagery, you could match these elements and narrow down your search.
Accessing KartaView is straightforward. After navigating to the website, you can start by searching for your area of interest. The interactive map displays photo markers, allowing you to view individual street-level images. What sets KartaView apart is its ability to complement other open data projects, such as OpenStreetMap, by enhancing the accuracy and detail of mapping data. The API access also makes it a valuable tool for integrating with more sophisticated OSINT workflows.
Source: https://kartaview.org/
Wikimapia
Wikimapia takes a hybrid approach, combining mapping with encyclopedic knowledge. This collaborative platform enables users to annotate map locations with detailed descriptions, historical context, and personal observations. It’s particularly effective when an investigation requires understanding not just where something is, but what it is and why it’s significant.
Imagine an investigation involving a remote military installation or a historical site (areas where mainstream maps provide limited or no information). Wikimapia’s annotations could include user-contributed insights about the purpose of a building, its history, or its connection to surrounding structures. For example, a user might have marked a site with details about its construction date, prior usage, or any notable events that occurred there. Such data could be critical for contextualizing your findings or uncovering connections that aren’t immediately obvious.
Using Wikimapia begins with exploring its intuitive map interface. Locations are highlighted, and clicking on them reveals user-generated descriptions. If you wish to contribute, creating an account allows you to add your own annotations, edit existing entries, or highlight points of interest. One of the platform’s strengths lies in its ability to export data, which can be incorporated into offline analysis or combined with other mapping tools.
A practical example of Wikimapia’s utility might involve analyzing urban infrastructure. If you’re investigating the growth of a city, you could use the platform to identify key landmarks or public facilities, cross-referencing these with other sources to track development patterns. Wikimapia’s community-driven nature ensures that even lesser-known locations are documented, providing a depth of information rarely found in commercial mapping services.
Source: https://wikimapia.org/
Wigle
Wigle.net is a specialized tool that focuses on the mapping of wireless networks. By aggregating data from users worldwide, Wigle.net creates a comprehensive map of Wi-Fi networks, including SSIDs, encryption types, and signal strengths. This platform is particularly useful for OSINT investigations that involve digital footprints or require geolocating devices and networks.
Imagine you are tracking the movement of a device or confirming the location of a suspect. Wigle.net can provide critical clues by showing where a specific Wi-Fi network is detected. For example, if you know about a (partial) SSID, you can cross-reference this information with Wigle.net’s database to narrow down the location. Similarly, during investigations involving urban environments, identifying patterns of unsecured networks might reveal vulnerabilities or key access points.
Using Wigle.net is straightforward. Start by visiting the website and accessing the map interface. The search tool allows you to locate networks by name or browse by area to see a visual representation of all detected Wi-Fi points. For deeper analysis, Wigle.net’s database can be downloaded, enabling offline investigations or integration with custom scripts and tools.
An advanced use case might involve tracking a stolen device. By identifying the Wi-Fi networks it has connected to, and cross-referencing those with Wigle.net’s data, you can create a timeline or path of movement. This makes Wigle.net an essential tool for investigations involving digital forensics or cyber-related OSINT tasks.
Source: https://wigle.net/
Combining the sources
The ability to access up-to-date imagery from Mapillary, combined with user annotations from Wikimapia and supplemental visuals from KartaView and Wigle, could provide a comprehensive picture of the affected area. Such a multi-faceted approach enables not just validation of information but also the discovery of new connections and patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. Remember OSINT is all about exhausting available resources, with tenacity and asking the "right" question(s) to gain actionable intelligence.