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This is an archive article published on September 2, 2023

Navigating the truth: Understanding the importance of geolocation tools

While using maps, always pay close attention to street layouts, statues and monuments, architectural details, street signs and shopfronts.

How do you verify the location of a photo or video? The answer is simple — using Google Maps. (Express file photo of Praveen Khanna)

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In an era where fake news travels faster than true stories, there is a need to verify data that comes your way. These days social media platforms are full of posts that begin with the text “Watch the viral video of…”. But often these videos and images are shared with misleading content and are usually unrelated to the current event.

For example, during the recent landslides in Himachal Pradesh, several old videos were being widely circulated on social media as videos of the devastation from the hill town.

Himachal Pradesh landslide;
Pls avoid hills now for a month.#ॐ_हं_हनुमंते_नमः #Heavyrainfall pic.twitter.com/nR5MRDKfWd

— Rajesh Nain 3.0 𝕩 (@RajeshNain) July 11, 2023

The video was originally from Italy.

To verify such claims, one needs to ask, ‘where is this from exactly?’. But, how do you verify the location of a photo or video? The answer is simple — using Google Maps. Google Maps not only gives directions but also offers satellite imagery, aerial photography, street maps, 360° interactive panoramic views of streets (Street View), real-time traffic conditions, and route planning for traveling by foot, car, bike, air (in beta) and public transportation.

Several countries including India have 360° interactive panoramic views of streets (Street View). When you explore a place using Street View, a small yellow icon in the shape of a human, called ‘Pegman’, appears on the bottom right corner of Google Maps. Just drag and drop the Pegman anywhere on the map and you will get a view of that place.

Now let us understand this process of verification using geolocation through an example.

Recently, during the communal violence in Haryana’s Nuh district, a video showing people wearing skull caps and pelting stones at a bus was being shared on the internet as the video of the clashes in the state. However, the video is from 2019, and is from Gujarat.

इनके लिए, हमने कल टैक्स रिटर्न फाइल कर दिए pic.twitter.com/bVsj2Nbloh

— Raja Singh (Modi Ka Parivar) (@TigerRajaSingh) August 2, 2023

So how do you verify the authenticity of such videos? The first step is using Google reverse image search. When we used reverse image search for the above video, it showed results which established that the video was old and from Gujarat. Now we needed to check the exact location of the incident.

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So, the next step was to find out the exact location of the incident. A report said, “As they reached Nanpura Makkai pul circle police were present to stop them due to lack of permission.” We now had a location — Nanpura Makkai pul circle — that became the search term in Google Maps. This led us to the exact location of the video.

Here’s how you can compare images:

Screenshot from viral video:

viral video geolocation tools fact check

Screenshot from viral video

Image taken from Google Maps:

Image taken from Google Maps

Pro tip to verify location:

While using maps, always pay close attention to street layouts, statues and monuments, architectural details, street signs and shopfronts.

Ankita Deshkar

Ankita Deshkar is a Deputy Copy Editor and a dedicated fact-checker at The Indian Express. Based in Maharashtra, she specializes in bridging the gap between technical complexity and public understanding. With a deep focus on Cyber Law, Information Technology, and Public Safety, she leads "The Safe Side" series, where she deconstructs emerging digital threats and financial scams. Ankita is also a certified trainer for the Google News Initiative (GNI) India Training Network, specializing in online verification and the fight against misinformation. She is also an AI trainer with ADiRA (AI for Digital Readiness and Advancement) Professional Background & Expertise Role: Fact-checker & Deputy Copy Editor, The Indian Express Experience: Started working in 2016 Ankita brings a unique multidisciplinary background to her journalism, combining engineering logic with mass communication expertise. Her work often intersects regional governance, wildlife conservation, and digital rights, making her a leading voice on issues affecting Central India, particularly the Vidarbha region. Key focus areas include: Fact-Checking & Verification: As a GNI-certified trainer, she conducts workshops on debunking deepfakes, verifying viral claims, and using OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) tools. Cyber Law & IT: With postgraduate specialization in Cyber Law, she decodes the legalities of data privacy, digital fraud, and the evolving landscape of intellectual property rights. Public Safety & Health: Through her "The Safe Side" column, she provides actionable intelligence on avoiding "juice jacking," "e-SIM scams," and digital extortion. Regional Reporting: She provides on-ground coverage of high-stakes issues in Maharashtra, from Maoist surrenders in Gadchiroli to critical healthcare updates and wildlife-human conflict in Nagpur. Education & Credentials Ankita is currently pursuing her PhD in Mass Communication and Journalism, focusing on the non-verbal communication through Indian classical dance forms. Her academic foundation includes: MA in Mass Communication (RTM Nagpur University) Bachelors in Electrical Engineering (RTM Nagpur University) Post Graduate Diploma (PGTD) in Cyber Law and Information Technology Specialization in Intellectual Property Rights Recent Notable Coverage Ankita’s reportage is recognized for its investigative depth and emphasis on accountability: Cyber Security: "Lost money to a scam? Act within the 'golden hour' or risk losing it all" — A deep dive into the critical window for freezing fraudulent transactions. Public Health: "From deep coma to recovery: First fully recovered Coldrif patient discharged" — Investigating the aftermath of pharmaceutical toxins and the healthcare response. Governance & Conflict: "Gadchiroli now looks like any normal city: SP Neelotpal" — An analysis of the socio-political shift in Maoist-affected regions. Signature Beat Ankita is best known for her ability to translate "technical jargon into human stories." Whether she is explaining how AI tools like MahaCrimeOS assist the police or exposing the dire conditions of wildlife transit centres, her writing serves as a bridge between specialized knowledge and everyday safety. Contact & Follow X (Twitter): @ankita_deshkar Email: ankita.deshkar@indianexpress.com ... Read More

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