X OSINT: How to Effectively Geolocate

Introduction

X (formerly Twitter) is a powerful tool for investigators and web sleuths using OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) to locate real-time information. By mastering geocode searches, you can uncover posts tied to specific locations with precision. In this guide, I’ll show you how to use geocode data, combine it with keywords and dates, and even leverage ChatGPT to craft effective search strings. I’ll also touch on using GeoSpy for analyzing images to gather additional location-based intelligence.

What is OSINT on X and Why Does It Matter?

OSINT on X involves gathering and analyzing open-source data from X for investigative purposes. This could involve anything from locating where a specific event took place to identifying the exact location of a user based on their posts. The advantage of using X for OSINT is that it offers unfiltered, real-time perspectives from people on the ground—insights that are often missed by traditional media outlets.

Boston Marathon Bombing –
geocode:42.3493,-71.0787,0.5km since:2013-04-15 until:2013-04-16

Key Benefits of OSINT on X

1. Real-Time Data: Access to immediate information as events unfold.
   
2. Geolocation: Pinpoint where posts originated or where events are occurring.
   
3. Unfiltered Insights: Bypass mainstream media to see what’s really happening from those directly involved.

How to Use Geocode Data for OSINT on X

The heart of OSINT on X lies in using geocode data effectively. Geocoding allows you to narrow down your search to a specific location, making it easier to find posts from a particular area.

Finding the Geocode for a Location

Before you can start searching, you need the geocode for the location you’re interested in. Here’s how to get it:

Google Maps
To find coordinates using Google Maps, open the map and locate the place you’re interested in. Right-click on the spot and select “What’s here?” A box will appear at the bottom with the coordinates in decimal format (e.g., 37.7749, -122.4194).

ChatGPT
Alternatively, you can use ChatGPT by asking, “What are the coordinates for [specific location]?” It will then provide the latitude and longitude for that place.

Or you can say, “Give me a Twitter geocode search for Canton, MA from Jan 1 2024 to Aug 12 2024. The search radius should cover all of Canton.”

Building Your X Geocode Search String

Once you have your coordinates, you can create a search string on X that will filter posts by location. Here’s how to structure it:

• Basic Structure: Use the format geocode:latitude,longitude,radius. For example, to search within a 10km radius of San Francisco, you’d enter geocode:37.7749,-122.4194,10km.

* Pro tip – The results are default to “Top Results.” Click on “Latest” to change that. Or “Media” for something more visually appealing.

Combining Geocode with Keywords and Dates

To refine your search further, combine geocode with keywords and dates:

• Adding Keywords: Simply append the keyword after the geocode string. For instance, to search for posts about protests within 10km of San Francisco, you’d enter geocode:37.7749,-122.4194,10km protest.
  
• Adding Dates: You can specify the time frame by adding since:YYYY-MM-DD until:YYYY-MM-DD. For example, searching for posts about protests from July 1, 2024, to July 10, 2024, would look like this: geocode:37.7749,-122.4194,10km protest since:2024-07-01 until:2024-07-10.
  
  Added today’s date and “protest.”

Advanced Search Tips

1. Combining Multiple Keywords: Use OR between keywords to include multiple terms. For example: geocode:37.7749,-122.4194,10km keyword1 OR keyword2.
   
2. Filtering by Language: Add lang:en to filter for English-language posts, like this: geocode:37.7749,-122.4194,10km keyword lang:en.
   
3. Excluding Certain Words: Use a minus sign before words you want to exclude. For instance, geocode:37.7749,-122.4194,10km keyword -wordToExclude.

Kittery, Maine and surrounding towns for the past month.

Leveraging ChatGPT for OSINT on X

If you’re not familiar with constructing geocode search strings or want to speed up the process, ChatGPT can be an excellent assistant. Here’s how to use it:

1. Ask for a Search String: For example, you can ask, “Create a geocode search string for posts about wildfires within 5km of Los Angeles from July 15, 2024, to July 20, 2024.” ChatGPT might generate something like geocode:34.0522,-118.2437,5km wildfire since:2024-07-15 until:2024-07-20.
   
2. Verify Geocode Accuracy: If you’re unsure about the coordinates, ask, “Are these coordinates correct for Los Angeles: 34.0522,-118.2437?” ChatGPT can confirm or correct the coordinates as needed.

Additional Tools: Using GeoSpy for Image-Based Location Analysis

While geocode searches are the backbone of OSINT on X, you might sometimes come across images that need further analysis. This is where tools like GeoSpy come in handy.

How GeoSpy Works

GeoSpy allows you to upload an image and uses AI to estimate where it was taken. While not always 100% accurate, it can provide valuable clues when combined with other OSINT techniques.

When to Use GeoSpy

• Verification: Confirm the location of a viral image.
• Cross-Reference: Combine image analysis with geocode searches to strengthen your findings.

Limitations and Considerations

While OSINT on X is powerful, be aware of its limitations:

1. Location Settings: Posts will only appear in your search if the user has location services turned on.
   
2. Data Privacy: Respect privacy and use this information responsibly.
   
3. Accuracy: Geocode searches depend on accurate coordinates, and tools like GeoSpy might not always be precise.

Examples
The first one I tried was Harbor Beach in Seabrook, NH. It got Falmouth, MA. The reasoning was correct, but the location was wrong.

This time, it got that it was a library, but the location was still off. However, the first result under “Sources” was correct.

Finally I did Tversakya Street in Moscow. It didn’t give me the building name, but it was the first one listed under “Sources.” Is the tool perfect? Not by any means. However, I think it’s worthwhile to have in your bookmarks.

Conclusion

Mastering OSINT on X enhances your ability to uncover the truth. By effectively using geocode searches, combining them with keywords and dates, and integrating tools like Google Maps and ChatGPT, you can cut through the noise and get to the core of any event.

If you’re interested in learning how to utilize AI in investigations, check out my course by clicking here. Check out my other courses by clicking here.

Thanks for reading!