Google Earth offers much more than just satellite images. Find out how features like historical imagery, 3D buildings and measurement markers can help you confirm the exact location of an eyewitness photo or video
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Since its launch in 2005, Google Earth has allowed us to explore the world without leaving our desks, making it one of the most useful image verification tools.
In the video above, we demonstrate how Google Earth not only helped to prove that a photograph was not from the location claimed by a Twitter user, but also how it helped to establish where the photograph was actually taken.
Unfortunately it is not yet possible to run an automated image search within Google Earth (matching up landmarks and landscape to pinpoint the exact position on a map) but providing you have a broad idea of the location and a few additional clues there are many quick and easy manual verification steps that you can apply.
In a separate resource we outline some of the most important clues that might be in a photo or video, such as topographic elements (like mountain ranges and rock clusters), identifiable buildings, signs, and free standing structures (like pylons and water towers). With these clues noted down, and the image or video saved to your desktop for quick reference, you can begin your search in Google Earth.
We recommend that you download the Pro version, which Google made available for free in 2015. The additional Tours and Mapping features are particularly useful for publishers as they allow you to show your work – perfect for transparency when reporting or debunking stories. Use the key GEPFREE when prompted during the download process.
By: Jenni Sargent
First DraftNews
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