In this article, we will analyze an effective method for identifying a location using Google Maps and image search.
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Geolocation by photo is a method of finding the location of a photo, which allows you to determine the exact coordinates by analyzing the details in the image. In this article, we will consider a step-by-step algorithm for determining the location of a photo with street lights on solar panels.
1. Analyzing Fig. 3.1, we notice street lamps with solar panels. Additionally, we pay attention to cars that do not look too modern, and to the architecture that is typical of countries with an average level of development. The street is surrounded by low-rise residential buildings, there are mountains in the background, which narrows the potential search countries to the Balkan region: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania (Fig. 3.1).
2. Using a general search for architecture in the Balkans, we cannot find an exact match. Therefore, we decide to use a more targeted query in Google Lens, searching for the keywords “Montenegro street lamp with solar panel”. The search results link to the Montenegrin government website, which reports the installation of solar street lamps in two cities: Cetinje and Kotor. This allows us to narrow down the search to these two locations. (Figure 3.2)
3. We use Google Lens with a query for the city of Kotor, but the results do not contain anything similar to our location. Therefore, we repeat the search, but with the keyword “Cetinje”. The search results show an ad for renting apartments in Cetinje (Fig. 3.3)
4. The photo of the ad shows a building that is very similar to the one in the original image. We follow the link and find that this is our location. We finally make sure that the found location is correct after analyzing satellite images and Street View in Google Maps. (Figure 3.4)
Coordinates: 42.39751381135123, 18.91830596312084
City: Cetinje
Region: Cetinje Municipality, Montenegro
Link to map: Google Maps 🌍
Geotagging from photos is an effective way to find the exact location of a photo, using analysis of details, architecture, and available online tools. In this case, we were able to identify the location thanks to solar-powered street lights, distinctive architecture, and a Google Lens search. We got final confirmation using Google Maps and Street View.
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