Case 01 / GEOINT
Visual geolocation check
Check whether a convoy image was taken on the claimed route by comparing fixed visual clues with maps, satellite imagery, and a basic timeline.
Real-case basis: Open-source geolocation of Buk convoy photos and videos in the MH17 investigation.
Data package
Images or short clips shared on social platforms
Fixed clues such as roads, buildings, signs, terrain, shadows, and junctions
Map, satellite, archive, and repost evidence from separate sources
Task
List fixed clues before accepting the claimed location.
Match at least two independent clues against map or satellite imagery.
Write the result with confidence level and missing-evidence notes.
Hint
Start with objects that do not move: road shape, poles, signs, buildings, and junctions.
One video is rarely enough. Look for separate angles along the same route.
Shadows and height can support a finding, but they should not carry the whole claim.
Answer key
The strongest approach is to split the image into clues and test each one separately.
The MH17 example was built from multiple images and videos that fit the same route.
A careful report says the route is supported, while marking source time and location confidence separately.
Weak analysis example
The vehicle looks the same and many accounts say this is the city, so the location is confirmed.
Careful report example
The road line, building face, and junction shape match the map view. A second video points to the same route. The location claim is strongly supported, but the original upload time and first-source chain should still be marked as unresolved.