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48.6k
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openseamap
|
OpenSeaMap
|
https://map.openseamap.org/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
Sea map of borders, special zones, shipping lanes, with overlays of MarineTraffic and other sources
|
\[\[ A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case? ]]
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
earth-online
|
The European Space Agency (ESA) - Earth Online
|
https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/tools
|
maps_and_satellites
|
[
"maps-and-satellites/satellite-imagery"
] |
The European Space Agency's Earth Online (ESA-EO) is a portal dedicated to providing a wealth of information on ESA's Earth observation activities and datasets. It serves as a comprehensive platform f
|
The European Space Agency's Earth Online (ESA-EO) is a portal dedicated to providing a wealth of information on ESA's Earth observation activities and datasets. It serves as a comprehensive platform for Earth science and environmental monitoring. Users can retrieve up-to-date satellite imagery, open data from specific Earth observation missions, and a range of tools for analysis and interpretation of raw environmental data. Earth Online also shines when it comes to news, visuals and infographics plus detailed mission information and 3D models of the satellites, making it a useful resource for anyone looking to understand the planet's dynamics and changes.
ESA’s EO universe holds something for everyone. It's not only for experts - there’s enough to explore if you’re new to the field.
https://visuals.earth.esa.int/
{% hint style="info" %}
ESA’s Earth Observation ecosystem is evolving from a collection of isolated, specialised tools toward integrated, cloud-based platforms that combine complete workflows of data discovery, access, processing and analysis in one single environment.
{% endhint %}
The main components of the ESA Earth Observation platform are:
1. **Mission documentation** and data feeding into:
2. Cloudplatforms **Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem (CDSE)** and **Multi-Mission Algorithm and Analysis Platform (MAAP)**
3. **Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP)** and other standalone (mostly mission-specific) tools
4. Tool documentation, learning and community knowledge exchange
{% hint style="info" %}
_European Space Agency_ vs _Copernicus_ - ESA is an intergovernmental European space agency and implementing partner for EU space programmes, and a key-partner in Copernicus. Copernicus is the EU programme providing open satellite data and operational services. ESA designs and operates the satellites that generate the data, both for the EU Copernicus programme and for ESA’s own (research-focused) missions.
_ESA Earth Online (ESA EO)_ vs _Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem (CDSE) -_ The data platforms overlap. The core of (cloud-based) CDSE consists of the Sentinel Data. ESA EO links to CDSE but also offers ESA mission-specific data and tools, plus all mission documentation.
_Copernicus Browser_ vs _Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem_ - The Copernicus Browser is the main visual exploration tool within the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem and has its own [tool description](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/sentinal-hub-playground) in the Bellingcat Toolguide. They use the same Sentinel data, but CDSE serves different users with advanced features as cloud-based processing, access via API’s and support for batch analysis. The browser remains the main web-based visual interface for exploring imagery, while CDSE enables more complex and automated workflows.
_SNAP_ vs _CDSE_ - Both make use of the same Copernicus Sentinel data. The difference lies in the workflow: SNAP is designed for local download and processing, while the Data Space Ecosystem enables cloud-based access and analysis without requiring local storage.
{% endhint %}
### Missions
ESA EO offers detailed information on the [mission](https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/missions) programmes and separate missions:
* Earth Explorers: dedicated to specific domains, as the cryosphere, athmosphere etc. See [visuals](https://visuals.earth.esa.int/)
* Heritage Missions: data from over 45 missions, dating back to 1977
* Third Party Missions
* Copernicus Sentinel Missions (also in CDSE)
All mission pages link to extensive mission documentation, datasets and notebooks, research environment or webservices. Data from older, inactive missions is included in the platform to be reused in different contexts. The available datasets can also be filtered by domain and scientific instruments. ESA data and tools may gradually be integrated in one of the cloudplatforms mentioned below.
### Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem
The [CDSE](./#url) provides wide range of data and services from the Copernicus Sentinel missions and some complementary data. The user-friendly Copernicus browser (see [Bellingcat toolguide](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/sentinal-hub-playground)) is a part of the wider ecosystem. The cloud-based data and processing platform provides data and documentation, with advanced features that include cloud computing, integrated jupyter notebooks, APIs, batch operations, and building workflows with openEO.
[Sentinel Online](https://sentinels.copernicus.eu/web/success-stories/europe-s-eye-on-earth-with-sentinel-satellites-and-earth-observation-data) is the ESA/Copernicus Sentinal reference site for a broad audience, with interactive views (Sentivista), visual explainers (Sentinel Succes Stories) and technical satellite documentation (SentiWiki). Feeling lost? The [Copernicus AI assistant](https://ask.copernicus.eu/) (in beta) may lead you to the right sources.
### **Multi-Mission Algorithm and Analysis Platform (MAAP)**
Where CDSE is more focused on browsing, processing and analysing, [ESA MAAP](https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/tools/esa-maap) is oriented toward scientific collaboration, with more focus on computing and advanced research and experimental workflows. The ESA Exploring Earth Catalogue and Thematic Exploitation Platforms (TEPs), previously separate entities in the EO platform and useful in OSINT research, are moving to MAAP.
### SNAP
[Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP)](https://step.esa.int/main/download/snap-download/) is a desktop software application for analysing and processing Sentinel data. It contains the same Sentinel data as the CDSE and they are often used together. SNAP is available as a local download and designed for working with raw and semi-processed data. A strong point is its radar (SAR) analysis. SNAP has a GUI and can be used without any technical coding skills, but does require some technical understanding of satellite data. The STEP platform (Science Toolbox Exploitation Platform) offers help in the form of practical guides and [tutorials](https://step.esa.int/main/doc/tutorials/) and an active [user community forum](https://forum.step.esa.int/).
| User need | Task/Platform | Skill level |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------- |
| Orientation in Earth Observation, mission and satellite goals | ESA EO [3D Visuals](https://visuals.earth.esa.int/), news, [infographics](https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/search?category=learn-and-discover\&learn_and_discover_type=infographics); Sentinel Online [visuals](https://app.gitbook.com/o/WQpOq5ZFue4N6m65QCJq/s/hjQAe2P6VxZKdrvIAqJ1/~/changes/13/) | Easy |
| Read about research outcomes and use cases | ESA EO [Learn\&Discover ](https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/learn)interactive stories, ESA [data applications](https://visuals.earth.esa.int/data), Sentinel online [succes stories](https://sentinels.copernicus.eu/web/success-stories), Sentivista [data applications](https://sentivista.copernicus.eu/data) | Easy |
| View and compare satellite images | [Copernicus Browser](https://browser.dataspace.copernicus.eu/) | Easy |
| Explore mission metadata, datasets | ESA Earth Online [Missions, Tools](https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/tools) | Easy |
| Advanced radar or optical analysis | [SNAP](https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/tools/snap) | Medium |
| Bulk cloud processing or batch analysis | [Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem](https://dataspace.copernicus.eu/) (CDSE) | Medium |
| Advanced (scientific) research, experimental workflows | [MAAP](https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/tools/esa-maap) | Advanced |
| Learn workflows, methods (mainly: SNAP) | [STEP ](https://step.esa.int/main/)(tutorials) | Easy to Medium |
| Follow online courses about Earth Observation domains, satellites, techniques | [EO college](https://eo-college.org/esa-eo-training-academy/) ESA EO Training Academy (some past courses are free, also without login); See also: [MOOCS](https://eo4society.esa.int/training-education/massive-open-online-courses-moocs/) (also for beginners) | Advanced |
### Use Cases for European Space Agency's Earth Online
The European Space Agency's Earth Online portal offers a broad array of use cases. Some of the imagery is super high resolution (less than a meter) however although there are hundreds of datasets many of them require registration and institutional affiliation. There are a number of 'sample' datasets that are free but may not be up to date. Individual tools can be used for multiple use cases. Some of these use cases focus on environment monitoring (tracking changes in climate, land use, and natural habitats over time) others could be used for monitoring more human focused activity. Use cases include:
* **Agricultural Analysis:** Assisting in the monitoring of crop health, forecasting yields, and managing agricultural resources. For instance the [IRS-P5 (Cartosat-1) Sample Data](https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/missions/irs-p5/sample-data) provides high resolution 2.5 m resolution crop inventory and monitoring agricultural productivity.
* **Forest Loss:** The [BIOMASS Product Algorithm Laboratory (BioPAL)](https://www.biopal.org/) tool offers processing scripts and Jupyter Notebooks for monitoring Above Ground Biomass, Forest Height and Forest Disturbance.
* **Oceanography and Marine Sciences:** Supporting the study of ocean currents, sea surface temperatures, and marine ecosystems. Tools like the [Cryo2ice tool](https://cs2eo.org/cryo2ice) can monitor ocean ice cover which can impact shipping routes (limited to data between February 2021 up to 2022) and the [Ocean and Coastal Topography Thematic Data Product (TDP)](https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/catalog/tdp-for-ocean-and-coastal-topography) dataset which contains improved sea surface height anomaly data. The screenshot below shows the [Cryo2ice tool](https://cs2eo.org/cryo2ice) with a search for Arctic sea ice 2022-02-06:
Screenshot of the Cryo2ice Arctic sea ice 2022-02-06 09:24
* **The atmosphere:** The [Atmosphere Virtual Lab (AVL)](https://atmospherictoolbox.org/media/usecases/Usecase_5_aeolus.html) tool provides [Jupyter Notebooks](https://jupyter.org/) that can be used to analyze and visualize atmospheric earth observation data and the [GHGSat archive](https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/catalog/ghgsat-archive-and-tasking) contains data that monitors greenhouse gas emissions (currently CH4, but eventually CO2).
* **Human Activity:** The [Urban Thematic Exploitation Platform](https://urban-tep.eu/) tool requires registration but provides data and visualisation of the Global Urban Footprint and population density. The [Geohazards TEP](https://geohazards-tep.eu/) is a glacier and landslide monitoring tool that has data processed over the eastern Alps Ground Motion Service.
* **Disaster Monitoring:** Earth Online provides a number of tools that can be used for disaster monitoring, like the [SMOS Tropical Cyclone Wind Radii Fixes](https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/catalog/smos-tropical-cyclone-wind-radii-fixes-wrf) (Registration required) and provides Near Real Time tropical cyclones forecasts.
* **Educational Resources:** Earth online also serves as a tool for educators and students in the fields of earth sciences, geography, and environmental studies with tools like the [Heritage Missions app for iOS](https://apps.apple.com/lt/app/esa-heritage-missions/id1584783729) providing 3D visualisations of satellite instrumentation.
These use cases highlight the versatility of the Earth Online portal in supporting a wide range of scientific research, educational, and applied environmental management activities.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
namemc
|
NameMC
|
https://namemc.com/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
Find usernames, track username changes on minecraft
|
A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case?
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
equasis
|
Equasis
|
https://www.equasis.org/
|
transport
|
[
"transport"
] |
Equasis, the Electric Quality Shipping Information System, is a tool designed to consolidate information about vessel ownership and safety records into one place. After creating an account, users can
|
Equasis, the Electric Quality Shipping Information System, is a tool designed to consolidate information about vessel ownership and safety records into one place. After creating an account, users can access a search portal to search for vessels by name or IMO number, or search for a company by name. The advanced search feature can search for vessels by call sign, MMSI number, tonnage, flag, etc, which can help to identify a vessel for which only some identifying information is known.
{% hint style="info" %}
IMO numbers are unique, seven-digit tracking numbers assigned to ships and shipping companies by S\&P Global Market Intelligence on behalf of the International Maritime Organization. Unlike ship names and company names which can change, IMO numbers remain constant. More information about IMO numbers can be found on the [International Maritime Organization's website](https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/IIIS/Pages/IMO-Identification-Number-Schemes.aspx).
MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identities) numbers are nine-digit numbers used to uniquely identify ships in radio and AIS (Automatic Identification System) broadcasts. MMSI numbers are issued by the country a ship is flagged to and managed by the International Telecommunications Union. More information about MMSI numbers can be found on the [International Telecommunications Union's website](https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/Pages/by-categories-faq.aspx?categorizedby=17).
{% endhint %}
Equasis can provide a significant amount of information about vessels including name, IMO number, flag, call sign, MMSI number, gross tonnage, deadweight tonnage, year built, type of ship, status, registered owner, ISM manager, ship manager, P\&I information, classification society, partial location history, and inspection and deficiency history, as well as a history for some of this information. For companies, Equasis can provide registered addresses, a list of vessels in their fleet, and a synthesis of inspections and deficiencies for all vessels in said company's fleet.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
linkdtime
|
LinkdTime
|
https://github.com/Lucksi/LinkdTime
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
LinkdTime is a small CLI Python tool that **derives precise timestamps from LinkedIn activity URLs** (posts, comments/replies, profile‑photo/background‑image/company‑logo changes) and can assemble the
|
LinkdTime is a small CLI Python tool that **derives precise timestamps from LinkedIn activity URLs** (posts, comments/replies, profile‑photo/background‑image/company‑logo changes) and can assemble them into a chronological timeline (HTML/TXT). For timestamping, it **decodes the numeric ID embedded in LinkedIn URLs** rather than scraping page HTML, so the time extraction itself works **without network access**; optional flags can **save/download images** for timelines. Outputs are a single timestamp for one URL or an HTML/TXT timeline for a list, with **timezone, date, and clock format configurable**. (see [GitHub](https://github.com/Lucksi/LinkdTime)).
It accepts either:\
• **A single LinkedIn URL** – e.g. `https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:...` or a comment permalink – and prints the precise UTC time the action occurred;\
• **A text file of many URLs** – one per line – and builds a chronological **HTML or TXT timeline**. Use `--save` to embed images as [Base64](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Base64) inside the HTML or `--download` to save originals alongside it.
**Example use case**
> An analyst harvesting every post- and comment-URL authored by a suspected astroturf network feeds them to LinkdTime. The generated timeline shows that “independent” accounts replied within 90 seconds of each post – a pattern typical of centrally scripted campaigns. [Astroturfing explained](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astroturfing)
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
google-lens
|
Google Lens
|
https://lens.google/
|
image_video
|
[
"image-video/reverse-image-search"
] |
Use Google Lens to identify objects or locations that are visible in an image. This can be useful if you want to geolocate an image, or find out more information about the objects, landmarks or vegeta
|
Use Google Lens to identify objects or locations that are visible in an image. This can be useful if you want to geolocate an image, or find out more information about the objects, landmarks or vegetation in a photograph in order to better understand its contents. Primarily a mobile phone application, it can also be used in the Chrome browser.
Google Lens now uses Google's AI tools to identify objects and places that feature in the images you search, and will sometimes provide you with an AI overview.
### Using the Google Photos mobile application
Open a photograph in the [Google Photos](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.photos) mobile application and click the three dots in the top right-hand corner of your screen![]() and then select Google Lens![]() from the drop-down menu. The app will highlight a specific part of the image in a rectangle, which you can move by dragging, or re-size using one of the corners, to make sure it captures your specific area or object of interest.
Screenshot 1. Click the Google Lens icon on the bottom right of the screen (second from the right). Screenshot 2. The application will start running and might suggest a specific area or object to search.
Screenshot 3. The suggested object or area will be highlighted in a rectangle, which you can click and drag to move, or use one of the corners to re-size it. The results will appear at the bottom of your phone screen. Screenshot 4. Drag the sidebar up to scroll through a full list of the hits and hyperlinks. You can also add keywords using the Google search bar, which is at the top of this screenshot, to narrow down your search.
You can also click 'About this image' (see Screenshot 4) to find out more information regarding the content of the image. There is now also an option to use AI mode, which integrates Google's Gemini AI with Google Lens's visual search capabilities.
### Using Google Lens in the browser
Right click any photo you come across while browsing the Internet using Google Chrome and click 'Search with Google Lens'. The results will be shown on the right.
Screenshot 5. Using Google Lens in the browser on an image published as part of a Bellingcat investigation.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
planefinder
|
PlaneFinder
|
http://planefinder.net/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
Live flight tracker.
|
\[\[ A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case? ]]
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
index-database
|
Index Database
|
https://www.indexdatabase.de/
|
maps_and_satellites
|
[
"maps-and-satellites/satellite-imagery"
] |
A database of remote sensing indices and satellite imaging sensors
|
A searchable web index of remote sensing indices (e.g. metrics for things like vegetation health, land use, water stress) that allows users to search for relevant satellite sensors for a given application. This search may also be inverted, listing the indices it's possible to calculate from a given remote sensing dataset. The index also links different indices to their respective applications, providing references to academic literature demonstrating their usage.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
tlgrm.eu-channels
|
tlgrm.eu channels
|
http://tlgrm.eu/channels
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
Search Telegram channels.
|
A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case?
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
search4faces
|
Search4Faces
|
https://search4faces.com
|
image_video
|
[
"image-video/facial-recognition"
] |
**Search4Faces** is a reverse face search engine that allows users to find the profile photos of individuals across various online platforms. The tool is implemented in Python and is accessible via a
|
**Search4Faces** is a reverse face search engine that allows users to find the profile photos of individuals across various online platforms. The tool is implemented in Python and is accessible via a web interface or as a Python library. As of June 2025, the tool has (partial) collections of the following [four databases](https://web.archive.org/web/20250616163324/https://search4faces.com/en/):
1. Avatars of the social network Vkontakte and main photos of the social network Odnoklassniki,
2. Profile photos of the social network Vkontakte (VK),
3. Avatars of TikTok users,
4. Avatars of ClubHouse users.
The tool also has a search feature for recognizing celebrities which - [according to the tool provider](https://web.archive.org/web/20250616164148/https://search4faces.com/index.html) - is based on Wikipedia and [IMDb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMDb) data.
Key features of Search4Faces include:
1. **Face Recognition Search**:
* Searches through multiple databases, including those of social networks to find similar faces.
* Users can specify which database to search in, and results include links to the relevant social media profiles.
2. **Customization and API Integration**:
* Search4Faces offers an API that can be integrated into applications for automated and scalable facial recognition searches.
* The API supports asynchronous operations and provides customizable search parameters, such as limiting the number of results.
* The tool can also be configured for more targeted searches, depending on the databases and permissions set by the user.
The site is available in Russian and English. To start a search, users first need to choose a database. They can then upload the picture of a person of interest.
A sample search within the "Avatar of Tiktok users" database. It is possible (but not required) to specify the gender, country, city or age of people of interest before starting a search.
For instance, after uploading a Donald Trump picture and selecting the VK and Odnoassniki avatars collection, we received various pictures of Donald Trump that are currently being used (or have been used) as avatars by VK users:
The results include a probability score indicating how likely it is, according to the tool, that the pictures show the same person as the one in the image uploaded by the user. It also provides a name for the person but this name can be wrong (for instance if someone uses Donald Trump's for their personal social media account).
By clicking on any photo in the results list, users are taken directly to the social media profile where the picture appears. Keep in mind that the Search4Faces database is not updated on a regular basis. Social media account owners might have changed their avatars or their accounts might even have been deleted in the meantime.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
vic
|
VIC
|
http://www.robots.ox.ac.uk/~vgg/software/vic/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
The VGG Image Classification (VIC) Engine is an open source project developed at the Visual Geometry Group and released under the BSD-2 clause. VIC is a web application that serves as a web engine to perform image classification queries over an user-defined image dataset. It is based on the original application created by VGG to perform visual searchers over a large dataset of images from BBC News.
|
\[\[ A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case? ]]
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
leak-lookup
|
Leak-Lookup
|
https://leak-lookup.com/
|
people
|
[
"people"
] |
Leak Lookup is an online tool and database search platform that allows users to check whether their personal information, such as email addresses, usernames, or passwords, has been exposed in data bre
|
Leak Lookup is an online tool and database search platform that allows users to check whether their personal information, such as email addresses, usernames, or passwords, has been exposed in data breaches. By entering a query, users can search its database of leaked data to identify if their information has been compromised.
Leak Lookup's collection appears to contain publicly available databases from web applications and services that have been breached, leaked or scraped as well as collections of credentials or personally identifiable information (PII) such as [Collection 1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collection_No._1). For each "breach", users are able to see the data types that have been exposed such as email address, username, full name, cleartext or hashed password.
Sample record of breach information
As of April 2025, Leak-Lookup also [has](https://leak-lookup.com/docs/search) the following API offerings:
* **Search:** The "search" API is designed to provide a simple and easy to use endpoint for end-users to search across all indexed breaches. Users can search by types of indicators such as email address, username, IP address, phone number, domain etc.
* **Hash:** The "hash" API is designed to provide hash-cracking capabilities for end-users, meaning a user can submit a hashed value of a password and the API endpoint will return the cleartext value of the password if the hash has been "cracked."
* **Stat:** The "stats" API is used to retrieve information relating to the current API key, this includes information such as the current request limits, daily request limits etc.
Leak-Lookup's collection of data appears comprehensive compared to other similar tools such as [HaveIBeenPwned](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/have-i-been-pwned) (HIBP): as of February 2025, Leak-Lookup [has](https://leak-lookup.com/) approximately 27 million total records from 4,416 breaches while HIBP [has](https://haveibeenpwned.com/) approximately 14 million records from 864 websites. It should be noted that despite the larger number of records and "breaches" that Leak-Lookup has, the service appears to count every data field from a breach or leak as one record, while HIBP's record count is based on the number of accounts that have been compromised (which often involves multiple data fields). Additionally, HIBP has a [unique working relationship](https://cisomag.com/have-i-been-pwned-goes-open-source-partners-with-fbi/amp/) with law enforcement entities, specifically the FBI, and security researchers. As such, there have been times when the service was given exclusive access to compromised data by law enforcement partners (including an [ongoing general partnership](https://therecord.media/the-fbi-will-feed-hacked-passwords-directly-into-have-i-been-pwned) with the FBI established in 2021) and security researchers, such as [data from People Data Labs (PDL) ](https://www.troyhunt.com/data-enrichment-people-data-labs-and-another-622m-email-addresses/)which was discovered by researchers Vinny Troia and Bob Diachenko.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Freemium
|
active
| |
tencent-maps
|
Tencent Maps
|
http://map.qq.com/
|
maps_and_satellites
|
[
"maps-and-satellites/maps",
"maps-and-satellites/street-view",
"maps-and-satellites/satellite-imagery"
] |
Tencent Maps provides detailed maps, satellite imagery, street view, directions for driving, public transport and walking, and real-time traffic conditions. In Q1 2025, a Deepseek AI assistant was [pi
|
Tencent Maps provides detailed maps, satellite imagery, street view, directions for driving, public transport and walking, and real-time traffic conditions. In Q1 2025, a Deepseek AI assistant was [piloted in the mobile app](https://www.thestandard.com.hk/market/article/70227/Tencent-shares-surge-as-DeepSeek-joins-WeChat) for users to ask for recommendations and real-time information.
In Tencent Maps, user-generated reviews and photos are integrated with [Dianping](https://www.dianping.com/), the Chinese equivalent of Yelp which also offers food and daily products delivery.
### Basic search: Map and satellite imagery
Search for the location and select the layer (e.g., satellite imagery) or function (e.g., ruler).
Web browser view: The example shows the area of Shanghai South Railway Station. Click the buttons on the top-left corner of the map to switch between map and satellite view.
Annotated menu - mobile
Basic mobile app menu. You may be seeing more or fewer options depending on your settings and location.
Information on how to access street views can be found further below.
2D / 3D modes (mobile app)
When sufficiently zoomed in, a 2D / 3D selection button will become available in the lower right side of the screen.
2D (top) and 3D (bottom) maps of the same area in Dandong City.
Tencent Maps has API documentation available for [switching between 2D/3D models](https://lbs.qq.com/webDemoCenter/glAPI/glMap/map3d) and for [showing 3D buildings](./#url).
### Getting coordinates
Search on this page in the web browser: [https://lbs.qq.com/getPoint/](https://lbs.qq.com/getPoint/)
For background: China uses a coordinate system called [GCJ-02](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restrictions_on_geographic_data_in_China#GCJ-02) (colloquially known as Mars coordinates), whereas the rest of the world uses [WGS-84](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Geodetic_System) (Earth coordinates). GCJ-02 uses an encryption algorithm to apply random offsets to the latitude and longitude of locations. Obfuscating the geographic data is for [national security purposes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restrictions_on_geographic_data_in_China).
### Street View - available in mobile app only
Steps:
1. Select **Layers > Street View** (see [**Annotated Menu - mobile app**](./#annotated-menu-mobile)). The blue lines along the roads indicate that street view is available.
(English annotation added) The blue lines indicate where street views should be available. Notice that the pin is always in the middle. Move the map, not the pin.
2. Move the map to where you want to see the street view. Please note: **To see the street view of another location, **_**move the map, not the pin**_**.**
3. A location description is shown. Click the rectangle to enter street view.
Example of Tencent Maps street view
Two limitations to be aware of:
1. Be aware that street views may be outdated, restricted or unavailable. In such cases, there may be glitches.
2. Metadata such as the date of image capture or the approval reference are not available.
Due to a [2021 merger between Tencent and Sogou](https://www.techinasia.com/tencent-completes-merger-chinese-search-engine-sogou), older street view imagery captured by SOSO Maps was integrated into Tencent Maps. (SOSO Maps, now defunct, was formerly a subsidiary of Sogou.) Tencent Maps users still often see SOSO Maps' vehicles in the street view imagery (as shown above), indicating that the image was taken some time before the merger.
### Lite version in WeChat
If the researcher is an existing user of WeChat (international version) or Weixin (China-only version), a lite version of Tencent Maps is available as a [mini program](https://walkthechat.com/wechat-mini-programs-simple-introduction/). For general consumers, the mini program offers conveniences in navigation, ride sharing, and location sharing. However, for the purpose of research it has limited functionality: the mini program does not support extracting coordinates and does not show street view.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
parler-video-uploads-map
|
Parler Video Uploads Map
|
https://kylemcdonald.net/parler/map/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
A map showing the approximate (100ft) location of where Parler videos have been uploaded.
|
A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case?
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
findclone
|
FindClone
|
https://findclone.ru/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
Searches images from VK profiles (within certain limits)
|
A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case?
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
satellite-tracker-3d
|
Satellite Tracker 3D
|
https://example.com**
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
A brief one line description of this tool
|
\[\[ A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case? ]]
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
publicwww
|
PublicWWW
|
https://publicwww.com/
|
websites
|
[
"websites"
] |
PublicWWW is a specialized search engine that indexes the underlying code and technologies of websites. Unlike traditional search engines, which focus on visible content, PublicWWW scans and catalogs
|
PublicWWW is a specialized search engine that indexes the underlying code and technologies of websites. Unlike traditional search engines, which focus on visible content, PublicWWW scans and catalogs [HTML](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML), [JavaScript](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript), [CSS](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS), and [HTTP headers](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Reference/Headers) - in short, the public code that defines the content and functionality of a website. It currently indexes millions of web pages, offering advanced search capabilities including regular expressions, domain filters, and other criteria for highly precise queries ([Query Syntax](https://publicwww.com/syntax.html)).
The following example search returns indexed websites with code referencing chatgpt.com. The results show the URL of the indexed site that matches, the Rank column shows the relative popularity/visibility of the site in the index, and the final column shows the relevant code snippet that the search matched on. In the top-right corner, there are several formats in which this data can be downloaded, included CSV.
The platform enables users to identify specific code snippets, analytics codes, embedded widgets, themes, and other hidden elements used across the web - these can all be examined to identify possible links between different websites. It can detect the use of content management systems, JavaScript libraries, tracking codes, and server-side technologies. PublicWWW also provides statistical insights such as file types analysed, generator tags, server headers, and technology adoption trends, allowing for detailed examination of website structures and code usage patterns across a large portion of the internet.
The following example search returns results with embedded widgets related to VKontakte (VK), Russia's largest social media platform. The `VK.init({apiId: ...})` code links a website to a specific VK app or community via a unique numeric API ID. For OSINT work, this ID acts as a digital fingerprint. If multiple domains share the same API ID, investigators might be able to identify related sites which can be helpful when researching coordinated networks.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Freemium
|
active
| |
baidu-maps
|
Baidu Maps
|
http://map.baidu.com/
|
maps_and_satellites
|
[
"maps-and-satellites/maps",
"maps-and-satellites/street-view",
"maps-and-satellites/satellite-imagery"
] |
A mapping application provided by Chinese technology company Baidu Inc.
|
Baidu Maps offers maps, street view, satellite imagery, and real-time route planning. It is available via the web browser or as a mobile application.
#### The basics
In the web version, search for a location. To select layers, point your cursor to the bottom-right corner and 3 options will appear (i.e., default map view, satellite image, or street view). Select the layer you wish to explore.
For example, a search for Shanghai's Waigaoqiao (a port and commercial district) will show this view in the web browser.
Navigation to the regular map, satellite image and street view, found at the bottom right corner of the web browser
Note that the reference number at the bottom left, e.g., "GS(2023)1234", refers to the year when the image was approved for publication by the relevant government authority, China's State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping. This is not necessarily the year when the image was captured.
**Street view**
Street views are generally available on the road networks, indicated by the thickened routes. For a static preview, place the cursor onto the route. Click to enter street view mode.
The thickened gray routes indicate that street view is available.
Street view images are captured by a [Baidu-operated fleet of vehicles](https://web.archive.org/web/20250519015136/https://www.cheyun.com/articleDetail/11826), which are fitted with single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, GPS and inertial navigation sensors. However, the fleet's image capture schedules are not made public.
Panoramic preview for street view
See above: From the regular map view, point to the main road (where street view is more likely to be available), right-click to show a shortcut menu > select the first item which means "panoramic preview" in English.
See below: The 360º preview is shown.
**Time machine 时光机**
The "time machine" function allows you to access older street view images, going as far back as 2013 (if available). From the current street view image, the time machine function is available at the bottom, indicated by a clock icon.
The "time machine" will show older street view images available (year and month of image captured). The approval reference is in the bottom right corner.
**The Enigma of Coordinates in China**
Most of the world uses the coordinate system [WGS-84](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Geodetic_System) (colloquially known as Earth coordinates), whereas China uses [GCJ-02](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restrictions_on_geographic_data_in_China#GCJ-02) (Mars coordinates). GCJ-02 uses an encryption algorithm that applies random offsets to the latitude and longitude of locations. Obfuscating the geographic data is for [national security purposes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restrictions_on_geographic_data_in_China).
Baidu Maps goes even further in its BD-09 coordinates system, applying additional encryption based on GCJ-02.
**Where to get the coordinates in Baidu Maps**
When searching for a location on Baidu Maps, the BD-09 coordinates are shown in the URL.
Another way to search is: [https://api.map.baidu.com/lbsapi/getpoint/](./#url). Search for a location and the BD-09 coordinates are shown in the top-right. **Note that in Chinese mapping tools, longitude comes before latitude**.
Example: From the Baidu Maps API getpoint page, the coordinates will show on the top-right when searching for Dafen Village, Shenzhen
To search by coordinates instead, enter the coordinates (longitude first) and check the box for reverse search using coordinates.
**3D models**
A 3D view is available. Baidu Maps also offers an API for building third-party apps that leverage 3D models and live data: [https://lbs.baidu.com/solutions/threedsvisualization](https://lbs.baidu.com/solutions/threedsvisualization)
**Global coverage**
Baidu Maps' coverage and capabilities are available globally, though the user interface is only available in Chinese. When searching for locations outside China, English search terms can be used.
### **Underlying technologies and data providers**
Baidu Maps' positioning and navigation capabilities are powered by the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System 北斗卫星导航系统. BeiDou is the global positioning and satellite technology developed by the Chinese government, and [competes with GPS and Galileo](https://www.gpsworld.com/chinas-beidou-challenges-u-s-gps-dominance/). (For more about BeiDou: see [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BeiDou); [BeiDou official website](http://en.beidou.gov.cn/); an academic article in [_Satellite Navigation,_ 2020](https://doi.org/10.1186/s43020-019-0006-0).)
For all Chinese mapping tools, satellite imagery is provided by China Siwei Surveying & Mapping Technology, which uses data and imagery from DigitalGlobe, the US company.
Outside China, Baidu Maps has a partnership with [HERE Technologies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Here_WeGo), the Amsterdam-based mapping and data company. Other [information providers include](https://map.baidu.com/zt/client/copyrightPc/index.html) OpenStreetMap, MapKing (for Hong Kong and Southeast Asia) and LocalKing (Taiwan).
### Similar tools
Open-source researchers can cross-reference with other leading mapping services, including AMap (Gaode Maps) and Tencent Map (QQ Maps).
For open-source researchers accessing Chinese map tools from overseas, Baidu Maps is the only tool that provides street view on the web browser. (Street view is not available on AMap, and is only available in Tencent Map's mobile version.)
Note that all three mapping tools use (at least in part - for their China coverage) the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System for their positioning capabilities. The exact ways that BeiDou is leveraged in each mapping tool depends on the device, the chip, and the location where the mapping tool is used.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
bellingcat-tiktok-date-extract
|
Bellingcat TikTok Date Extract
|
https://bellingcat.github.io/tiktok-timestamp
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
Get the exact upload date + time for tiktok video urls
|
A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case?
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
alltrails
|
AllTrails
|
https://www.alltrails.com/
|
environment_and_wildlife
|
[
"environment-and-wildlife"
] |
AllTrails.com is a tool for discovering hiking, biking, and running trails worldwide, providing detailed trail maps, user reviews, and navigation support for outdoor enthusiasts.
AllTrails.com can be
|
AllTrails.com is a tool for discovering hiking, biking, and running trails worldwide, providing detailed trail maps, user reviews, and navigation support for outdoor enthusiasts.
AllTrails.com can be a valuable resource for open source researchers as it provides location data, user-generated content, and real-time information about various trails. Examples include tracking the movement patterns of individuals of public interest who share their activities publicly, analyzing geospatial data, and gathering insights from user reviews and pictures posted on the platform. It can also assist in understanding the terrain and accessibility of certain areas.
**Features**
_Map_
* **Current Location**: option to centre map at users location.
* **Zoom tool:** zoom in and out on the map.
* **Layers**:
* **Map Types:** AllTrails, Road, Satellite, USGS topo (US only), Terrain, World parks, OSM, OCM
* **Map Details:** Waypoints, Photos, Nearby trails, Distance markers, Heatmap, Weather, Air Quality, Light pollution, Pollen
* **3D view**
* **Compass North** - realign the map to compass north.
* **Search -** for locations including nearby.
* **Explore Filter** - Sort and filter by the following attributes distance away, activity, difficulty, length, suitability, More filters eg attractions, ratings, highest point, etc.
* **Elevation / Gradient -** Individual Trail maps include a line graph of elevations on route.
* **Print -** Individual Trail maps
* **Preview trails -** Individual Trail maps
_Explore_
* **Trails -** Curated AllTrails content and user-created Community trails
_Individual Trails_
* **Photos**
* **Directions**
* **Print**
* **Share**
* **Description**
* **Conditions:** weather forecast, expected ground conditions and mosquitos.
* **Reviews:** user reviews include the user profile, text and star rating.
* **Activities:** user activities in this area.
* **Completed:** list of users who have completed the trail.
* **Route FAQs**
_Community_
* **Local:** see public user activity nearby.
* **Following:** see activity from user's that you follow.
* **Engagement:** Like and Comment on posts.
* **Connect:** connect with other users.
_Profile - users' personal profile and where they have made public contributions that can be seen on other people's profiles._
* **Favourites**
* **Photos**
* **Reviews:** reviews the user has made.
* **Activities**
* **Completed:** trails users have completed
* **Followers**
* **Following**
* **Stats**
* **Lists**
_User Profile_
* **Feed:** activities of people you follow.
* **Create Map:** create a custom trail.
* **Language**
* **Saved**
* **Settings** - location, Units (Imperial or metric), calorie counter info, link to Facebook, Google, Apple, Garmin
Example below shows search for Vondelpark Loop in Amsterdam:
Screenshotof Vondelpark Loop in Amsterdam
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Freemium
|
active
| |
uwazi
|
Uwazi
|
https://uwazi.io/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
Uwazi is an open-source platform designed to manage and organize document collections, often used in human rights documentation and advocacy contexts. It addresses the challenge of storing, categorizi
|
Uwazi is an open-source platform designed to manage and organize document collections, often used in human rights documentation and advocacy contexts. It addresses the challenge of storing, categorizing, and retrieving large volumes of sensitive information, and it can be helpful when managing complex datasets.
With Uwazi, researchers can upload documents in bulk, organize them with precise metadata, cross-reference related materials, and search the entire collection efficiently. The platform also allows the translation of records into multiple languages, visualizes data in various formats, and allows collaboration with team members.
Uwazi can be useful for organizations and individuals who need a user-friendly, secure, and customizable tool to manage critical information, whether for preserving evidence, documenting violations, or creating accessible archives. It offers features tailored to the needs of human rights defenders, researchers, and advocacy groups, making it a potentially helpful resource for those working to uncover and pursue justice.
Uwazi offers two deployment options: **self-hosted (free)** and **hosted**. With the [**self-hosted**](https://github.com/huridocs/uwazi) option, users can download and set up Uwazi on their own servers at no cost. This option provides full control over the platform, including customization and data security, but it requires technical expertise to install, manage, and maintain the server environment. Self-hosting also implies responsibility for implementing security measures, performing updates, and ensuring system reliability, which might be challenging for organizations without a dedicated IT team.
On the other hand, the **hosted** option involves using Uwazi’s managed hosting service, where the platform is hosted and maintained by [HURIDOCS](https://huridocs.org/). This option is ideal for organizations that prefer a hassle-free setup with support and regular updates handled by the Uwazi team. While hosted services typically involve a cost beyond the initial free 30-day trial, they offer the convenience of professional management, enhanced security, and reliable uptime, making it a suitable choice for organizations with limited technical resources.
Since April 2025, HURIDOCS has shipped[ integrated machine‑learning features](https://huridocs.org/2025/04/using-machine-learning-in-uwazi-to-support-human-rights-documentation-work/) that assist with translation, metadata/NER extraction, topic suggestions, and PDF‑focused workflows (segmentation and table‑of‑contents generation). Some functions are powered by optional external services HURIDOCS maintains as open source.
[Integration with Tella](https://huridocs.org/2026/01/the-new-tella-app-lets-uwazi-users-document-violations-safely-and-while-offline/): Tella (by Horizontal) is a secure mobile documentation app that can connect to a private or public Uwazi collection. It supports encrypted capture/storage of photos, videos, audio and documents (separate from the device gallery), optional ‘verification mode’ metadata, and offline data entry with ‘submit later’ syncing once connectivity returns. Uwazi templates can be downloaded into Tella for structured field documentation.
This screenshot illustrates Uwazi’s geospatial mapping capability, allowing users to visually pinpoint and organize documented information by location. Uwazi’s functionality for defining and managing relationships between different categories or templates of information. It shows how various entity types (e.g., Organization, Incident, Individuals) can be connected, enabling users to structure their data and understand links between different records. This screenshot illustrates Uwazi’s metadata configuration capabilities, showing how administrators can define, edit, and organize custom fields (e.g., text, numeric, relationships, links) to structure the information collected about a particular entity type.
#### Key Features:
1. **Flexible Data Management**: Uwazi supports the upload and management of various types of documents, including text files, images, audio, and video. The platform allows users to create custom collections with defined metadata fields, facilitating structured and efficient data organization.
2. **Advanced Search and Filtering**: Uwazi offers various search functionalities, enabling users to perform full-text searches, apply multiple filters, and quickly retrieve relevant documents from extensive collections.
3. **Data Visualization and Mapping**: Users can create visual representations of data and link documents to maps, which is particularly useful for geographically-oriented human rights documentation.
4. **Customizable Workflows**: Uwazi allows users to define custom workflows, automating tasks and processes to streamline document management and review.
5. **Multi-language Support**: The platform supports multilingual document collections and provides a fully localized user interface, making it accessible for global projects.
6. **Collaboration and Permissions**: Uwazi facilitates collaboration with its multi-user environment, where permissions can be finely tuned to protect sensitive information.
7. **Public and Private Sharing**: The platform enables the sharing of document collections, with options for both public access and private, controlled sharing.
8. **Security and Compliance**: Uwazi incorporates security measures, including encrypted data storage and secure access controls, to ensure compliance with privacy regulations and safeguard sensitive information.
9. Integration with the Tella App: Once set up, Uwazi databases can be populated via the [Tella App](https://tella-app.org/), which provides encrypted asynchronous uploads of photos and videos from a user's phone, in an environment separate from the phone's gallery.
10. **Machine-learning add-on (beta)** — [Since April 2025](https://huridocs.org/2025/04/using-machine-learning-in-uwazi-to-support-human-rights-documentation-work/), Uwazi ships with an optional ML module that you can enable from the new **“Machine Learning”** menu. It automatically (a) detects a document’s language and offers instant translation into 20-plus languages, (b) runs [named-entity recognition](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/named-entity-recognition/) to pull out people, organisations, places, dates and other key fields, (c) [segments PDFs into text](https://huridocs.org/2024/08/new-open-source-ai-tool-unlocks-content-and-structure-of-pdfs-effortlessly/), tables and images, generating a ready-made table of contents, and (d) suggests topics and other metadata that users can accept or refine. In partner pilots ([CYRILLA](https://huridocs.org/resource-library/human-rights-research-databases/cyrilla/), [SOS-Defenders](https://huridocs.org/resource-library/human-rights-research-databases/sos-defenders/), [UPR Info](https://huridocs.org/2021/11/by-using-machine-learning-human-rights-organisations-can-better-curate-large-information-collections/)) the tool has cut manual tagging time by up to **90 %** and learns continuously from user feedback. All processing happens in self-hosted setups, or on HURIDOCS infrastructure for hosted clients. The module is still labeled beta and is disabled by default, but the API is already part of the stable 1.219 release**.x** line.
### **Security Measures**
* An independent [security audit conducted by Recurity Labs](https://huridocs.org/2024/08/uwazi-undergoes-third-independent-audit-to-ensure-security/) (commissioned by HURIDOCS) evaluated Uwazi’s architecture and code against common vulnerabilities based on OWASP and SANS standards (which is about as good as it gets). The assessment confirmed that Uwazi maintains a high level of security. Several minor issues were identified, which have since been addressed and patched. A second audit was done by [Assured ](https://www.opentech.fund/security-safety-audits/uwazi-security-audit/)in May 2024. A [third audit](https://huridocs.org/2024/08/uwazi-undergoes-third-independent-audit-to-ensure-security) was concluded in August 2024 to ensure security. Regular Audits are planned.
* Uwazi integrates several technical measures that contribute to a secure environment for handling sensitive human rights documentation and related materials. These features include support for HTTPS encryption, secure user authentication (including two-factor authentication), and the option to run Uwazi behind a reverse proxy for additional network protections. Admins can configure role-based permissions to ensure only authorized users can access or modify sensitive content. Additionally, Uwazi supports regular updates, backups, and indexing maintenance, providing a stable foundation for safeguarding data integrity. Together, these features can make Uwazi a practical choice for organizations that need a reliable, secure digital infrastructure for their human rights work.
* For configuring HTTPS, reverse proxy and environment variables: [Sysadmin Guide](https://uwazi.readthedocs.io/en/latest/sysadmin-docs/index.html)
* For enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) and managing user permissions:[ Administrator’s Guide](https://uwazi.readthedocs.io/en/latest/admin-docs/managing-settings.html#how-to-configure-your-account)
* For backup and indexing procedures: [Sysadmin Guide](https://uwazi.readthedocs.io/en/latest/sysadmin-docs/back-up-restore.html)
For more detailed information and guidance, users can consult:
* **Security Information:** [Uwazi Security Page](https://uwazi.io/page/o7annbvfatg/security)
* **Privacy & Cookies Policies:** [Privacy Policy](https://uwazi.io/page/frhg6i127jc/privacy-policy), [Cookies Policy](https://uwazi.io/page/sg0hbnvot3l/cookies-policy)
#### **Best Practices for Uwazi Administration if running locally**
* **Use Default Configurations First:** Start with Uwazi’s default settings to reduce complexity. Only override environment variables if you have a clear reason and know the impact on your setup.
* **Secure Your Deployment:** Run Uwazi behind a reverse proxy (like Nginx) with HTTPS, and set `LOCALHOST_ONLY=true` so that external traffic must pass through the proxy. When mail notifications are required, properly configure your sendmail or SMTP server.
* **Regular Backups and Data Integrity:** Regularly back up both the MongoDB database and the `uploaded_documents` directory. After restoring, run `yarn migrate` and `yarn reindex` to maintain data integrity and search functionality.
* **Multi-Tenancy and Scaling:** Use distinct database and index names for each tenant, and consider a reverse proxy to direct requests to the correct tenant. Keep code separate from user data, and rely on environment variables to run multiple instances from a single codebase.
* **Routine Maintenance:** Periodically run maintenance scripts like `yarn migrate` and `yarn reindex`. Monitor logs and apply updates or patches as they become available to ensure ongoing stability and security.
For detailed instructions and configurations, refer to the [Sysadmin Guide](https://uwazi.readthedocs.io/en/latest/sysadmin-docs/index.html).
#### Strengths:
* **Customizability and Flexibility**: Uwazi's customizable data structures and workflows make it adaptable to various project needs.
* **Active Development Community**: The open-source nature of Uwazi means it benefits from continuous community contributions, enhancing its features and security over time.
* **User-Friendly Interface**: Despite its robust capabilities, Uwazi is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible even to non-technical users.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Freemium
|
active
| |
importgenius
|
ImportGenius
|
https://www.importgenius.com/
|
companies_and_finance
|
[
"companies-and-finance"
] |
ImportGenius is an online database of trade data (imports and exports) for countries including the US, Russia and India. [Data sources include](https://www.importgenius.com/how-it-works) government pu
|
ImportGenius is an online database of trade data (imports and exports) for countries including the US, Russia and India. [Data sources include](https://www.importgenius.com/how-it-works) government public records, customs agencies and trade databases. ImportGenius covers countries for which they can get data - see the [pricing page](https://www.importgenius.com/pricing) (scroll down to 'Global trade data'). Note that journalists getting free access can email to request data for countries which they haven't yet added to their platform.
When logged in you can do custom searches:
Search page where you can specify criteria for your search
In the search results, you can see details for a specific shipment by clicking on the 'Details' icon:
Click the eye-shaped icon to see details for a specific shipment.
The [HS code](https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/overview/what-is-the-harmonized-system.aspx) is a standardised, multi-digit code that classifies traded products. The first six digits are used by over 200 countries, but the subsequent ones are nationally defined. In the screenshot above, 300409 is for 'Pharmaceutical products, Other' (see the World Customs Organisation's [search](https://www.wcotradetools.org/en/harmonized-system)). ImportGenius covers different modes of transport for different countries, depending on what data they are able to source. In the picture above, the Indian port 'Delhi Air' means that the goods were airfreighted from New Delhi.
ImportGenius has a 'Visual Mapping' view that gives you a knowledge graph of shipments for importers and exporters:
Knowledge graph for an exporter (blue) showing all importers who received their products for a given period
The network diagram allows you to explore relationships between trading entities. In the diagram above, you can see the other people and companies to which the exporter (in blue) provided shipments.
You can export search results, save searches so it's easy to repeat them, and get email alerts when new shipments matching your search criteria clear Customs.
Fields provided include at least one of the parties involved in the transaction, a description of the goods involved and their weight, and the origin and destination of the shipment. There are additional fields that depend on the source data - report fields differ per country. Note that data for different countries is updated at different intervals.
All modes of transport (e.g. ship, road) are covered, except for the United States, which is maritime only.
A wide range of other sites provide a similar service, with different country coverage. Most do not offer free access to journalists. Free access to US trade data is available through [ImportYeti](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/importyeti).
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Paid
|
active
| |
logseq
|
Logseq
|
https://logseq.com/
|
data
|
[
"data"
] |
Logseq is an open‑source, local‑first knowledge management app for desktop and mobile. It works with **Markdown and Org‑mode** file graphs and (in current betas) a **database (DB) graph** that adds re
|
Logseq is an open‑source, local‑first knowledge management app for desktop and mobile. It works with **Markdown and Org‑mode** file graphs and (in current betas) a **database (DB) graph** that adds reliability and collaboration features. Core capabilities include block‑based outliner notes, **bidirectional links and graph view**, **tasks/flashcards**, **whiteboards**, **advanced (Datalog‑style) queries**, **PDF annotation**, plugins/themes, and **Zotero integration**. Typical OSINT workflows include journaling timelines, linking entities across sources, annotating PDFs, and pivoting through backlinks/queries.
The example below shows some of the features of Logseq, including a whiteboard diagram, a 'focused' page, and a page with a graph and other navigation.
Animated gif of Logseq whiteboard, focused writing page and page with navigation and graph (courtesy of Logseq)
### Key Features
1. **Markdown-Based Storage**: Logseq’s reliance on Markdown ensures compatibility with various editors (e.g., VS Code, Obsidian), thereby promoting data longevity and facilitating easy integration with other tools.
2. **Journaling and Daily Logs:** Daily log pages serve as journaling tools, enabling users to record ideas and tasks in sequence. This is ideal for tracking research or investigation timelines.
3. **Block-Based Structure**: As a block-based outliner, Logseq allows hierarchical organization of notes and content, similar to Roam Research and Notion.
4. **Bidirectional Linking and Graph Database**: Users can create interconnected notes or "nodes" and view relationships between topics visually in the graph view, which is especially valuable for tracking complex networks.
5. **Task Management Integration:** Built-in task workflows allow users to assign tasks and monitor progress, providing an efficient project management tool within their notes.
6. **PDF Annotation and Asset Management:** Upload, annotate, and link PDFs directly within Logseq for seamless document handling. This is an essential feature for researchers with extensive document collections.
7. **Flexible Querying**: Advanced Boolean queries allow users to retrieve data across notes based on tags, properties, or keywords, enabling powerful search and organizational capabilities.
8. **Namespace Hierarchies and Custom Properties**: Organize notes hierarchically with namespaces (e.g., "Project/Phase") and custom properties for consistency and streamlined retrieval.
### Tips for Effective Use
* **Organize with Blocks**: Use high-level blocks (e.g., "Meetings," "Scratchpad") to consolidate related information and reduce clutter.
* **Customize Task Workflows:** For adaptable project management, set up personalized task states, such as “To Do,” “Doing,” and “Waiting. "
* **Use Sidebar Panels**: Open multiple pages in the sidebars to reference, compare, and work on parallel projects simultaneously.
* **CSS Customization**: Personalize the interface using custom CSS for visual clarity and improved readability.
* **PDF Annotation Retrieval**: Utilize hashtags and bidirectional links to tag PDF notes, enabling easy retrieval across various contexts.
### Use Cases
Logseq is well-suited for various use cases that leverage its unique features, such as bidirectional linking and easy note organization. Here are some specific use cases where Logseq excels in the context of journalism:
#### Story Development and Organization
* **Idea Collection:** Collect and organize ideas and research notes that could evolve into stories.
* **Source Management:** Link and organize source documents, interview transcripts, and notes.
#### Investigative Journalism
* **Evidence Tracking:** Keep track of evidence and link related pieces across different sources.
* **Timeline Construction:** Utilize the journaling feature to create event timelines, which helps uncover patterns or inconsistencies.
* **Network Graphs:** Develop a network of interconnected notes to identify relationships and connections among individuals or entities.
### **Comparisons with Similar Tools**
* **Obsidian**: While Obsidian is a powerful Markdown-based tool, Logseq natively supports outliner functionality without plugins, making it more streamlined for users needing hierarchical organization. Logseq's native graph database and task management integration provide additional structure, which is especially useful in large projects.
* **Roam Research**: Logseq and Roam focus on bidirectional linking and block-based structure. However, Logseq’s local Markdown storage offers more control over data storage, ensuring users retain full data ownership.
* **Notion**: Unlike Notion, Logseq offers a more robust, non-linear note structure suited for knowledge mapping and research. Logseq’s task integration and outline functionality caters to users seeking flexible project management within a private, locally-stored environment.
Latest changes: [https://github.com/logseq/logseq/releases](https://github.com/logseq/logseq/releases)
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bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
littlesis
|
LittleSis
|
https://littlesis.org/database
|
companies_and_finance
|
[
"companies-and-finance"
] |
LittleSis is a database that houses information from a range of online sources on powerful individuals and organisations in the public and private sectors in the Unites States. It seeks to show the re
|
LittleSis is a database that houses information from a range of online sources on powerful individuals and organisations in the public and private sectors in the Unites States. It seeks to show the relationships between those individuals and organisations, with the aim of helping users to track relationships (e.g. donations to politicians and political action committees, also called PACs, and board memberships). The goal is to help the user to follow the money and discover connections between those that hold public and private sector power.
According to their [website](https://littlesis.org/database), LittleSis includes data from "government filings, news articles, and other reputable sources". It is maintained through automatic updates and manual edits. Links to data sources are provided.
If you search for keywords via the search box (circled in green) at the top of the LittleSis [main website](https://littlesis.org/), you'll get LittleSis news articles:
Search results from the LittleSis main website
LittleSis' main offering is their database - to access it, click '[Database](https://littlesis.org/database)' in the top menu. You'll get to the main database page:
The home page for the LittleSis database
When you search the database, you'll get entities that match your search term(s), and network maps that include the search term(s):
An example of a results page based on a search of the LittleSis database
When you click on an entity name in the search results above, you'll see a person's or company/organisation page. Here is a person page:
A person's page with data housed in LittleSis.
The person page has links to a wide range of relationships that the person has (for which LittleSis has data). The types of relationships in the example above include business positions, board memberships, positions, federal election campaign contributions, universities attended, holdings (companies in which they have ownership), family, and others.
The 'Interlocks' tab lists people with positions in the same organisations as the person you searched - this can help you see the networks of people with whom they are associated. The 'Giving' tab lists people who also received donations from organisations and people to whom the person donated:
The 'Giving' tab lists donors who also donated to orgs and people to whom Hunter Biden donated
The 'Data' tab allows you to filter and search the person's relationships. For instance, here are the lobbying firms in which Hunter Biden holds current or past positions:
Example of a search on Hunter Biden's data tab
Here's an example of an organisation's page:
An organisation's page on LittleSis
An organisation page has the same kinds of information as a person's page.
LittleSis includes 'network maps' for all entities (people and organisations):
A network map for Donald Trump
Access the network maps from a person's or organisation's search results page. The map will show you relationships that illustrate the topic of the map like donations (e.g. in the map above, Henry R Kravis donated US$1 million to Trump's inauguration). You can create your own maps, but you need to be registered to do that. (To create a map, log in and go to Add>Map.)
LittleSis data is searchable online, can be accessed through an [API](https://littlesis.org/api), and can be [downloaded](https://littlesis.org/database/bulk_data) as JSON files.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
chronotrains
|
Chronotrains
|
https://www.chronotrains.com/en"
|
transport
|
[
"transport"
] |
This tool helps users visualize train destinations within Europe. When users hover the cursor over a city or a particular train station on the map, Chronotrains unveils a map where concentric zones ra
|
This tool helps users visualize train destinations within Europe. When users hover the cursor over a city or a particular train station on the map, Chronotrains unveils a map where concentric zones radiate outward. This depicts all the destinations reachable by train within a chosen duration of up to eight hours.
Chronotrains can be used in two primary ways: (1) Users can hover their mouse over a particular location (or starting point) and the map will show all the possible destinations by train. (2) A second way is to click on a specific station and it will show all the results. In this second example, I clicked on the city of Bordeaux, and a range of colors appeared. These correspond to the different travel times, 1 hour (darkest green) up to 8 hours (lightest green). Users can also click on the left panel to select the different times they are interested in. As shown here, I selected 1 hour from Bordeaux, followed by 2 hours, etc. (Image from Chronotrains.com)
**Using the Map:**
1. Click on the choice of All Trains or Night Trains
2. Type or click on any train station to set it as your starting point.
3. Select the amount of time you want to travel (e.g., minimum 1 hour, up to 8 hours maximum).
4. The map will update to show the areas you can reach within the selected time frame.
* As of Dec 2024, the map may sometimes include not just information on the approximate travel time but also the trip's price.
If the data is available, the map will sometimes show not just the approximate travel time but also the price. Click to enlarge the the map of Krakow, Poland for a sample of this new map feature.
**Exploring Options:**
\- Use the map to explore different travel possibilities. You can move around the map, click on different stations, and see how travel times change.
**Key Features:**
1. _Interactive Map_
**Why it matters:** This visualization helps users quickly understand the reach of train travel from different locations, which can be useful for trip planning and understanding regional connectivity.
2. _Travel Time Visualization_
**Why it matters:** This feature allows users to easily compare travel times between different locations, helping them make informed decisions.
3. _Data integration_
How it works: According to the tool’s [website](https://www.chronotrains.com/en/8), this map integrates data from [Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/) through [Direkt Bahn Guru](https://direkt.bahn.guru/).
In addition to the interactive map, to the left (or sometimes the bottom, depending on your screen display) you will see further location suggestions. Once you have clicked on your station or city of interest, this feature will appear in addition to the color-coded isochrones on the map.
### Possible use cases
While originally used to plan trips, Chronotrains can be repurposed for open-source investigations.
This can aid open-source investigations with a time-sensitive location element.
It can be used to:
* Potentially verify travel claims: By entering a location and timeframe, investigators can determine if a reported train travel aligns with what is realistically possible.
* Potentially track movement patterns: Analyze potential routes and locations reachable by train within a specific timeframe, helping identify areas a person of interest might have visited.
### How does it work?
The platform’s [GitHub page](https://github.com/benjamintd/chronotrains) explains the tools' inner workings.
**What the Map Shows:**
Isochrones: Imagine you start at a specific train station. An isochrone map shows you how far you can travel from that station within a certain amount of time and in multiple directions. For example, it can show all the places you can reach in 1 hour, 2 hours, and so on, heading North, South, East, or West.
**How It Works:**
_1. Building a Graph:_
Think of a graph like a map, but instead of just showing locations, it also shows their connections. In this case, the "nodes" (points) on the graph are train stations. The "edges" (lines connecting the nodes) represent the journey times between these stations.
_2. Exploring the Graph:_
For each station, the system checks which other stations you can get to in a certain amount of time. For example, it might check which stations you can reach from Station A within 1 hour, 2 hours, and so on.
**Data Source:**
**Deutsche Bahn (DB) Data:** The information about train times and stations comes from Deutsche Bahn. Deutsche Bahn cooperates routes with different countries' rail systems ([https://io.deutschebahn.com/en/services/passenger-rail/](https://io.deutschebahn.com/en/services/passenger-rail/)) and therefore has data on train schedules for [international destinations](https://ibir.deutschebahn.com/2023/fileadmin/downloads/db_ib23_e_web_01.pdf) (based on 2023 Integrated Report, p.38, p.49). According to DB International Operations’ website, “DB’s regional services do not only operate in Germany, but also across borders and in other European countries, including the UK, Czech Republic, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal.”
**API by Direkt Bahn Guru:** This data is made easier to access and use through a tool (API) provided by [Direkt Bahn Guru](https://direkt.bahn.guru/), which helps organize and provide the data in a convenient format.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
527-explorer
|
527 Explorer
|
https://projects.propublica.org/527-explorer/
|
companies_and_finance
|
[
"companies-and-finance"
] |
ProPublica's 527 Explorer allows people to review the finances of nonprofit organizations known as 527s in the US. 527s file reports with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), but these filings appear i
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ProPublica's 527 Explorer allows people to review the finances of nonprofit organizations known as 527s in the US. 527s file reports with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), but these filings appear in a section separate from most nonprofits on the IRS website. ProPublica's database is intended to make searching these filings easier by including tools to help match names, addresses and other information that may have spelling variations. The tool also shows similar contributions and expenditures, allowing the user to possibly uncover other connections between organizations. The database also has a feature which shows which 527s have similar donors and expenditures.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
google-flood-hub
|
Google Flood Hub
|
https://sites.research.google/floods/
|
environment_and_wildlife
|
[
"environment-and-wildlife"
] |
Google Flood Hub is developed by Google Research and uses [AI models to forecast floods](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07145-1). It [combines](https://sites.research.google/gr/floodforeca
|
Google Flood Hub is developed by Google Research and uses [AI models to forecast floods](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07145-1). It [combines](https://sites.research.google/gr/floodforecasting/) two AI models that process diverse publicly available data sources: the [Hydrologic Model](https://sites.research.google/gr/floodforecasting/hydrology-model/) forecasts the amount of water flowing in a river, and the Inundation Model predicts what areas will be affected and how high the water level will be. Flood Hub offers users flood data and forecasts specific to their location, with predictions extending up to 7 days, and presents the data visually by showing local river flood maps and water trends.
Open source researchers, especially those focusing on environmental research and natural disaster monitoring, can use Google Flood Hub's predictive analytics as well as real-time monitoring to keep track of developments in areas of interest.
As of June 2025, Flood Hub [covers](https://sites.research.google/gr/floodforecasting/) river basins in over 80 countries worldwide, providing critical flood forecasting for over 1,800 sites and, covering a population of 460M people.
View of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Google Flood Hub including current and expected river water and danger levels.
Scrolling around the world map will show different colored pins indicating points of measurement (called river gauges here). Each color represents the level of danger from a flood. The filters can be used to exclude/include the normal river levels and/or the ones marked as warnings and dangerous.
**Additional coverage**
Additionally, you can chose to see lower confidence gauges that do not meet Google's standards for the data necessary for evaluation, but can provide a more complete picture. The default setting shows only the high confidence data, but this can be toggled to show the lower confidence data points.
River gouges for Cuanza River in Angola - regular view (L) and the additional coverage (lower confidence gauges) turned on (R)
**Inundation probability and Inundation history**
Inundation probability show the areas likely to be submerged under water during a flood. Please be advised that this metric is not supported for all gauges (sometimes the Google model may not have shown clear inundation patterns. In these regions [Google decided](https://support.google.com/flood-hub/answer/15637289) to only share the hydrologic information).
Inundation history shows the frequency of inundation in the past. This helps identifying higher risk areas based on historical records. The different levels do not show how deep the water was, but how often the area was under water. According to [Google's documentation](https://support.google.com/flood-hub/#topic=15637286), this layer has limitations and "does not extend to the extreme northern or southern points." It is restricted to the following latitudes and longitudes:
* **Minimum latitude:** -39.0
* **Minimum longitude:** -125.0
* **Maximum latitude:** 43.0
* **Maximum longitude:** 170.0
Inundation history around Orinoco River in Venezuela
You can find details on how to read the gauge side panel [here](https://support.google.com/flood-hub/answer/15636998?hl=en\&ref_topic=15636596\&sjid=7162562628577014661-EU). To see a gauge panel, click on a gauge pin to find additional information for past trends and forecasts, water level measurements, coordinates and the size of the water basin, among others.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
f5bot
|
F5Bot
|
https://f5bot.com/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
Sends you an email when a keyword is mentioned on Reddit.
|
A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case?
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
picarta
|
Picarta
|
https://picarta.ai/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
In the absence of GPS EXIF data, its AI system provides GPS estimation. Image EXIF data includes camera model and timestamps.
It also offers [georeferencing for aerial imagery](https://picarta.ai/ae
|
In the absence of GPS EXIF data, its AI system provides GPS estimation. Image EXIF data includes camera model and timestamps.
It also offers [georeferencing for aerial imagery](https://picarta.ai/aerial-imagery) captured by aircraft, drones, and satellites. A landmark detection feature is yet to be rolled out.
The API can return up to 100 results with [confidence scores](https://picarta.ai/how-to-use?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
The aerial imagery function can be used to for land use monitoring, environmental assessments, and other OSINT research.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Freemium
|
active
| |
__test_vectorize_tineye__
|
TinEye (TEST)
|
https://tineye.com
|
image_video
|
[
"reverse-image",
"image-search",
"verification"
] |
Reverse image search engine for finding where images appear online.
|
## TinEye
### What it does
TinEye performs reverse image searches to identify where images appear online, helping investigators verify image authenticity, track stock photos, and detect modifications. It indexes over 81.3 billion images and prioritizes privacy by not saving user-submitted images.
### Input
Users upload an image file (via drag-and-drop, paste, or browser extension) or use the TinEye browser extensions to search directly from websites. The tool supports common image formats like JPEG, PNG, and GIF.
### Output
TinEye returns a list of URLs where the image appears online, sorted by relevance, first occurrence, or modification level. Results include metadata like copyright status, stock photo verification, and visual comparisons to highlight differences between the search image and matches.
### Limitations
- No explicit geographic restrictions mentioned, but indexing may vary by region.
- Free tier has limited search volume; advanced features (e.g., API, bulk searches) require paid plans.
- No direct support for video or text-based searches.
### Pricing
Freemium model with a free tier for basic searches and paid tiers for advanced features (e.g., API access, bulk queries). Exact pricing details are not specified in the crawled content.
### Alternatives
Not specified
|
firecrawl-generated
|
test
|
freemium
|
active
|
2026-02-07T18:47:31.155797+00:00
|
have-i-been-pwned
|
Have I Been Pwned
|
https://haveibeenpwned.com/
|
social_media
|
[
"social-media/multiple-platforms",
"people"
] |
Does an email or a phone number appear in data breaches?
|
Have I Been Pwned allows you to search across multiple data breaches to see if your email address or phone number has been compromised. It searches through [13 billion breached records](https://www.techopedia.com/interview-with-have-you-been-pwned-creator-troy-hunt). When you search for an email address or phone number, the screen will either turn green, indicating no compromised accounts found, or red, indicating compromised accounts. If the screen turns red, you'll see a list of platforms or websites where your account details were compromised, along with additional information on when and what kind of data was affected.
This tool is especially useful for finding where a person of interest had accounts and using those for further research. Say you have an email address you want to investigate. By running it on HIBP you find they had breaches on Twitter, Duolingo, and Last.fm -- this means they had accounts on those platforms and you can start researching these further until you find the connected accounts on the platforms. HIPB is a starting point for researching email addresses / phone numbers.
A result page after searching for a particular email address that was found in 6 Data breaches including one from Twitter.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Freemium
|
active
| |
illegal-unreported-unregular-fishing-vessels-list
|
Illegal, unreported, unregular fishing Vessels List
|
https://iuu-vessels.org/Home/Search
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
A combined list of known illegal, unreported, unregular fishing vessels
|
\[\[ A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case? ]]
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
person-lookup
|
Person Lookup
|
https://personlookup.co.za/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
find individuals, phonenumbers, and adresses
|
\[\[ A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case? ]]
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
edgar
|
EDGAR
|
https://www.sec.gov/edgar/search/
|
companies_and_finance
|
[
"companies-and-finance"
] |
Database of corporate filings for the US
|
EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system) is a database of corporate filings maintained by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings contain a wealth of quantitative and qualitative information on every legal entity that issues non-exempt securities in the United States.
EDGAR is the primary system for companies and others to submit documents under the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, and the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The EDGAR database provides access to corporate information, allowing research of public companies' financial information and operations. It also includes information provided by mutual funds (including money market funds), exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and variable annuities.
Best uses are to track annual reports, top level management of companies, subsidiaries, shareholders, mergers & acquisitions.
Search by keyword, company name, ticker symbol, location or the name of an individual.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
name-variant-search
|
Bellingcat Name Variant Search
|
https://bellingcat.github.io/name-variant-search/
|
people
|
[
"people"
] |
Simple tool to help search for different ways of writing a name.
|
Simple tool to help search for different ways of writing a name.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Unknown
|
active
| |
mappy
|
Mappy
|
http://en.mappy.com/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
Mapping service (and streetview in a couple of French cities)
|
Mapping and directions service for locations in Europe. Mappy provides directions for pedestrians, cars, motorcycles, buses and trains where available. It touts its real-time traffic information, which it says can help users determine the fastest routes to their destination. Mappy also gives users a street-view option in some locations in France. Using the Mappy app, users can view control zones and speed camera locations.
Mappy is available as a website and as an app for Android and iOS devices.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
invid
|
InVID Verification Plugin
|
https://weverify.eu/verification-plugin/
|
image_video
|
[
"image-video/image-misc",
"image-video/metadata",
"image-video/reverse-image-search"
] |
A toolkit that supports the verification of videos and images.
|
The InVID Verification Plugin is a comprehensive toolkit designed to assist journalists in verifying content on social networks. It offers a suite of tools to analyze and verify videos and images, including contextual information retrieval, several engines (Google, Lens, Bing, TinEye, Yandex, Baidu, Karma Decay, DBKF), video fragmentation, and metadata extraction. The plugin supports multiple platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, making it a versatile tool for fact-checking and debunking tasks on social networks. (Some Twitter-related features may not work anymore due to the API policy change.) Since v0.85 the plug-in has gained a [WACZ](https://specs.webrecorder.net/wacz/1.1.1/) disinformation-archiving tool, a [Hiya-powered voice-clone detector](https://www.hiya.com/products/deepfake-voice-detector), and full [Hungarian localisation](https://www.hdmo.eu/hungarian-version-of-invid-weverify-verification-plug-in-released-by-afp-media-lab/) (joining EN, FR, ES, EL, AR, IT & DE).
{% hint style="info" %}
If you're a journalist, fact-checker, or researcher, take a minute to apply and register to use the advanced tools. To do this, click "Advanced Tools" and then "Register". Register with your **professional email address.** Once you’re confirmed as registered, enter your email and then copy & paste the code emailed to you.
{% endhint %}
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
birdnet
|
BirdNet
|
https://birdnet.cornell.edu/map
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
Identify bird sounds - find bird sounds on a global map.
|
BirdNET LiveMap is an online interactive map that displays bird sound detections and the associated bird species from around the world in near real time.
As part of a [wider research project](https://www.birds.cornell.edu/ccb/birdnet/) to use Machine Learning to learn and identify bird sounds, the [LiveMap](https://birdnet.cornell.edu/api2/live) aggregates anonymized user-inputted data and bird recordings, displaying results of bird sightings across the world from the last 24 hours.
Additionally the LiveMap provides a list of recent sightings along with hourly observations and number of species observed, along with the most frequently observed birds for Europe and North America.
It is based on data of sound recordings provided through the [BirdNET app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birdnet/id1541842885) which can be uploaded by any user. Users in turn can use the app to ID birds based on machine learning of common bird species.
The LiveMap also displays the total number of observations, the number of observations in the last 24 hours, the number of species identified, the number of users in the last 24 hours and other details.
BirdNet can not only be useful for open source researchers who are researching environmental topics but also for those who need to identify bird calls captured in video or audio recordings, especially for narrowing down the regions of the world in which those recordings could have been taken.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
gjirafa
|
Gjirafa
|
https://gjirafa.biz/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
Mapping service for Albania (specially Kosovo)
|
\[\[ A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case? ]]
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
twitter-advanced-search
|
Twitter/X Advanced Search
|
https://x.com/search-advanced
|
social_media
|
[
"social-media/twitter"
] |
Twitter/X's built-in advanced search supports filtering by keywords, hashtags, language, author, receiver, mentions, replies, links, minimum number of replies/likes/reposts, and dates. Open the link a
|
Twitter/X's built-in advanced search supports filtering by keywords, hashtags, language, author, receiver, mentions, replies, links, minimum number of replies/likes/reposts, and dates. Open the link above or navigate to this feature from the user account’s homepage, as shown in the image below.
{% hint style="info" %}
TIP: Bookmark the link above to have immediate access to the tool.
{% endhint %}
In addition to clicking the link above, another way to navigate to the Advanced Search feature is shown here. First, input a search term on the search bar from your homepage. Once the results are shown, hover over "Search Filters" to the right, and click "Advanced Search".
### _**Advanced Search (Desktop)**_
Twitter/X’s Advanced Search helps open source researchers refine search queries and produces more subject matter-specific results. While the search interface is mostly self-explanatory, below is a description of each search field, and some useful tips.
#### **WORDS**
**“All of these words”:** You can search for posts containing specific words, phrases, or hashtags.
Example: Amsterdam canals
This will show posts that mention “Amsterdam” and “canals”
**“This exact phrase”:** is similar to using quotation marks on search engines. It pulls up results for an exact match for a specific sequence of words.
Example: best of both worlds
It will generate results with this exact phrase.
{% hint style="info" %}
It is okay not to use quotation marks for this search parameter. If you do, they will generate the same results as without quotation marks.
{% endhint %}
**“Any of these words”:** A user can use this field to filter terms that contain one search term or another.
Example: Amsterdam canals
This will search for posts with either “Amsterdam” or “canals”
{% hint style="info" %}
Users can add OR between the search terms, and it will generate the same results.
{% endhint %}
**“Hashtags”:** Advanced search allows users to filter their search further using hashtags. This is particularly useful for monitoring events in real-time.
Example: If I want to search for content related to Myanmar but only want to focus on what [Twitter users wrote](https://medium.com/dfrlab/how-pro-democracy-activists-in-myanmar-keep-their-movement-alive-with-hashtags-34ff2d3eddf2) about events in June 2021, I can enter “Myanmar” on the top field and “June3Coup” in the hashtag field.
{% hint style="info" %}
Users do not have to use the hash (#) symbol in the field, but the tool generates the same search if they choose to (i.e. June3Coup or #June3Coup will generate the same results).
{% endhint %}
**“Language”:** Advanced Search allows users to zero in on posts in a specific language, refining their search for better results.
{% hint style="info" %}
TIP:
_Language and Search Terms_
Twitter Advanced Search prioritizes your exact keywords during the search. This means:
* If you search for an English term but want results in Dutch, tweets containing the English word and Dutch text might appear.
_Finding Local Content with Translation_
To focus on local content in a specific language:
1. Translate your keywords using tools like [Google Translate](https://translate.google.com/) or [DeepL](https://www.deepl.com/).
2. Use the translated keywords in your Twitter Advanced Search.
{% endhint %}
Example: If I am interested in learning about the farmers' protest in the EU, but only want to get results in Dutch, the parameters may look like this:
Here is an example of a search using the language function, with the keyword being in English, but the language output being in Dutch.
This image is the sample result of the search with the language filter. As you can see, the keyword is in English but the rest of the content is still in the selected language filter, in this case, Dutch.
#### **ACCOUNTS**
Find posts from specific accounts to specific accounts or that mention specific accounts. This enables users to see interactions or exchanges. It is particularly useful for tracking disinformation/misinformation to see who has interacted with which content and the reputation of the accounts.
These are the subfilters:
**“From these accounts,”** Searching for posts from `@Iamsterdam` will show posts posted by this account.
**“To these accounts”** Searching for posts sent to @Iamsterdam will show posts in which other users replied to @Iamsterdam.
**“Mentioning these accounts”** Searching for posts mentioning @Iamsterdam will show posts from other users that include and mention the @Iamsterdam handle. It does not seem to show replies to that handle.
{% hint style="info" %}
TIP: You can input more than one account
{% endhint %}
\
&#xNAN;**“Filters”:** Refine your search using this section. Advanced Search lets you choose whether to include replies, ensuring you see the full conversation or focus solely on original posts.
To see only original posts, deselect the "Replies" checkbox under "Account Filters" in Twitter Advanced Search.
Keep scrolling down in the Advanced Search window to find the "Filters" section. Here, you can choose whether to include replies in your search results. There are two options: (1) Both replies and original posts: This will include tweets where users are replying to others, along with regular tweets. (2) Only replies: This will focus solely on tweets where users are replying to other accounts.
**“Replies”:** One targeted feature is the ability to focus solely on replies. By excluding original posts, you can gain an understanding of the ongoing discussion surrounding a particular topic.
This ability to isolate replies proves especially valuable in numerous areas. For instance:
* Sentiment Analysis: By analyzing replies, you can gauge the public's emotional response to an event.
* Tracking Opinions: Focusing on replies allows you to see what people are saying about a specific topic, revealing trends.
**“Links”:** Advanced Search lets you refine your results even further. You can choose to see only posts containing links. This can be useful for finding content that references external sources.
{% hint style="info" %}
TIP: This filter does not allow you to specify a specific website or URL. The search will simply include posts with any link, regardless of the domain.
Instead, use "this exact phrase" to type the specific link you are looking for.
{% endhint %}
#### **ENGAGEMENTS**
{% hint style="warning" %}
NOTE: If you want to cut through the noise and discover the most popular posts on a topic, Twitter's "Top posts" tab might seem like the answer, but it doesn't always show the absolute most engaging content. [The "Top posts" algorithm considers various factors, making it unpredictable.](https://blog.x.com/engineering/en_us/topics/open-source/2023/twitter-recommendation-algorithm) Use Advanced Search instead.
{% endhint %}
In Advanced Search, users can define their criteria for engagement. Want to see posts with at least 1,000 likes or replies? Advanced Search lets users set precise thresholds for minimum likes, reposts, replies, or even a combination of these metrics. This way, you'll get a clear picture of the most engaging posts that meet specific requirements.
You can set your parameters for the following subfields:
**“Minimum replies”**
**“Minimum likes”**
**“Minimum reposts”**
This granular control ensures the retrieval of posts that demonstrably resonate with a significant number of users.
#### **DATES**
For highly focused searches, Advanced Search offers date range filtering.
To filter tweets by date, use the calendar dropdown menus in Twitter Advanced Search. Simply select:
**"From" date:** This will return tweets sent on or after that date.
**"To" date:** This will return tweets sent on or before that date.
**Both "From" and "To" dates:** This will return tweets sent _**within**_ that specific date range.
{% hint style="info" %}
TIP #1:
**Before a specific date:** Perfect for exploring historical trends or past events.
**After a specific date:** Ideal for catching up on recent discussions or tracking breaking news.
**Within a defined date range:** Ideal for isolating tweets from a specific timeframe, like a conference, incident in a conflict region or a campaign.
TIP #2:
Add a few days on the "before" and "after" fields, to make sure you have wide coverage of results.
{% endhint %}
#### “SAVE THIS SEARCH” FUNCTION
This feature is ideal for monitoring or tracking breaking news and accounts that are experts in your research topic.
Saving searches is simple:
1. Enter your search parameters in the Advanced Search (e.g., #WhatisHappinginMyanmar, “Mandalay”), and click Enter.
2. Click the three dots next to the bar.
3. Select "Save this search" (up to 25 searches allowed).
This image shows you the steps on how to save your searches. This is especially convenient if monitoring and revisiting the same issue for an investigation.
### _**Advanced Search (Mobile App)**_
{% hint style="success" %}
If doing Advanced Search on a mobile device, it may be preferable to go to the mobile device’s web browser and perform the steps outlined above with the Advanced Search interface, instead of the app.
{% endhint %}
However, if you must do a granular search on the X app, you can do so in the search box, using operators or boolean, just as one would when searching various search engines like Google.
X’s website provides [a list](https://developer.x.com/en/docs/twitter-api/v1/rules-and-filtering/search-operators) of helpful operators that users can use or memorize to perform the functions outlined above. However, [use this page](https://github.com/igorbrigadir/twitter-advanced-search) for a more exhaustive list of operators for the App search bar.
A sample search done on mobile can be seen in the image below.
Advanced search on the app or on the search bar requires knowing which operators to use to take advantage of the feature. In this example, we input the following search query: Paris -Olympics -Olympic -medal -Olympique -athlete -athlète. The goal is to try to find posts about Paris but without too many references to the Olympics (the search was conducted in July 2024, shortly before the start of the Olympic Games). Instead of using the "All these words" field, we just input our keywords directly, which is Paris. Instead of using the "none of these words" field, we use the minus sign (-) before other words we want to exclude.
After performing the search as shown above, the results appear. They include the keyword "Paris" but none of the words "Olympics" "Olympic" "medal" and "Olympique", etc. (NOTE: the search was conducted in July 2024, shortly before the start of the Olympic Games)
### _**What problem does it solve?**_
There is a sea of content constantly flowing around real-time events and trending topics. Twitter Advanced Search addresses the challenge of navigating this vast ocean of information by providing filtering options and the ability to search across a wider range of criteria for relevant results.
The research process of open-source researchers is often iterative. We often start broad, using search terms like "protest" and "Syria" in the discovery phase. As we sift through the initial results, we might encounter posts mentioning a specific location like "Daraa" or a prominent group named "Syrian Revolutionary Forces." These findings become stepping stones. We then refine our search terms, incorporating these new details or harvesting new search terms. This might involve searching for posts containing "Daraa protest" or "Syrian Revolutionary Forces leader." The search might also expand to Arabic hashtags related to the protest or the group.
Using different combinations of parameters, such as locations, languages, and hashtags in Advanced Search, is beneficial during this evolving process. It allows investigators to refine their search queries throughout the research process continuously.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
kartaview
|
KartaView
|
https://kartaview.org/map
|
maps_and_satellites
|
[
"maps-and-satellites/street-view"
] |
KartaView is a crowdsourced platform for street view imagery.
|
KartaView is a crowdsourced street view imagery platform, with particularly extensive coverage in South East Asia. Contributors from anywhere in the world can upload imagery including 360° photos, vehicle dashcam photos, or series of photos captured by users traveling along a route in a vehicle, bicycle, or on foot.
For open-source researchers, KartaView can serve as an additional or alternative reference point to Google's street view. KartaView also provides a JOSM (Java OpenStreetMap Editor) extension where users can update [OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/) data as they upload imagery.
KartaView's imagery is [licensed](https://kartaview.org/terms) under [CC-BY-SA](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en), which means that users can share or adapt the imagery with attribution and under the same or compatible license.
KartaView is owned by GrabMaps, a mapping technology arm of Grab Holdings. Leveraging Grab's operations in Southeast Asia (in ride-sharing, food and grocery delivery, and digital payment), GrabMaps regularly commissions Grab drivers and [provides equipment](https://www.gizguide.com/2025/04/grab-hardware-innovations.html) and training for drivers to contribute to mapping.\
\
A note on the name: KartaView was originally founded in 2009 as OpenStreetView, it was renamed to OpenStreetCam in 2016, and to KartaView in 2020. Each change was due to a change in ownership.
### Finding available street view imagery
Search by typing a keyword, address, or coordinates into the search box and clicking on the magnifier icon. If you see an empty map, make sure to zoom in using the mouse wheel or the “+” button to see the purple lines.
Purple lines indicate available street view imagery in KartaView. This is an example from searching Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Zoom in even more and left-click on the purple line to reveal the available tracks. Green dots indicate that images are available, and the larger bubbles correspond to the thumbnails shown at the bottom.
Location in Bandung, Indonesia. Note that some street view images (green dots) are between buildings or inside buildings, indicating that these were captured by pedestrians or motorcycles.
Appearing at the bottom of the screen, the Tracks are series of images available for that location. Shown under the thumbnails are the distance traveled, the number of photos, and the date of image capture (note: not the date of upload).
### Metadata
Each uploaded image contains metadata including coordinates, date and time of recording, and the device used for image capture. The metadata is generated in the uploading process, either directly from the camera's EXIF info or from a custom GeoJSON file ([KartaView GitHub documentation](https://github.com/kartaview/upload-scripts) - scroll down to "2. Generate Exif info").
Most of the images uploaded by KartaView users are sequences of still photos, and do not support 360° panning.
### 3D mapping
KartaView offers the functionality of uploading and visualizing 3D point cloud data — although this function appears to be still in beta and not widely adopted. Contributors can upload 3D scans of architecture or geographical features in LiDAR or 3D mesh files (see [documentation](https://3d.kartaview.org/explore#10/1.3521/103.8198) for file formats), and KartaView's [3D viewer](https://kartaview.org/doc/uploads-3d) will visualize and map the data as point cloud data.
LiDAR — Light Detection and Ranging
LiDAR ([Light Detection and Ranging](https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/lidar.html)) is a remote sensing method that uses infrared light pulses to determine the distance from the sensor to the surface of an object.\
\
Users of iPhone Pro and Pro Max already have a LiDAR scanner available (since the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, launched 2020), which works to improve photos taken in low-light conditions and requiring depth sensing.
KartaView has [developed 3D cameras and dashcams](https://www.gizguide.com/2025/04/grab-hardware-innovations.html) for both the [in-house use of Grab](https://www.grab.com/sg/inside-grab/stories/kartacam-2-grab-new-map-making-camera-launch/) and as a hardware business. The latest models of these cameras are compatible with LiDAR technology.
### Advantage in Southeast Asia
**Contribution to OpenStreetMap**: GrabMaps claims to have added (since 2017) [900,000km of roads and 50 million points of interest](https://www.gizguide.com/2025/04/grab-hardware-innovations.html) to OpenStreetMap that were not previously available. These contributions have been made by Grab drivers, merchants and customers. (We are unable to independently verify the claimed numbers.)
**Hyperlocal mapping**: In GrabMaps' statements, roads in Southeast Asia that are added to KartaView include [alleyways](https://www.grab.com/sg/inside-grab/stories/mapping-hidden-roads-alleys-southeast-asia-driver-partners/) that cannot be navigated using four-wheeled vehicles. The intention is to facilitate more efficient delivery routing for Grab drivers but looking at alleyways can also be useful for open source researchers.
**Available 360° imagery**: [KartaView provides 360° imagery in urban areas in Southeast Asia](https://kartaview.org/landing/open-imagery) — particularly in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The full dataset is available via KartaView in the web browser and also for download (subject to user registration and provision of full name, work email, and company).
### Available formats
KartaView is available in the following formats:
* Web browser
* Mobile app, which can be used to record geodata and street view imagery.
* API, [https://kartaview.org/doc/](https://kartaview.org/doc/)
* JOSM (Java OpenStreetMap Editor) extension ([link](https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/JOSM/Plugins/KartaView)). This is an offline desktop application (Mac, PC, Linux) that allows the user to edit and enrich OpenStreetMap data by leveraging 360° images from KartaView. For instance, upon uploading new images, users can manually pinpoint the exact location on OpenStreetMap and tag any traffic signs appearing on the image.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
nasa-worldview
|
NASA Worldview
|
https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/
|
maps_and_satellites
|
[
"maps-and-satellites/satellite-imagery"
] |
Worldview, developed by NASA, is an interactive open source online tool that allows users to explore the Earth's surface as it appears in near real-time, as well as through historical satellite imager
|
Worldview, developed by NASA, is an interactive open source online tool that allows users to explore the Earth's surface as it appears in near real-time, as well as through historical satellite imagery. It provides access to satellite data and imagery collected from various NASA Earth observing missions, offering users the ability to view and analyze environmental events, changes, and phenomena on a global scale. The tool is designed to cater to both scientific and educational purposes, making it a valuable resource for researchers who are interested in observing Earth's dynamic systems. Users can customize their view by selecting different layers such as air quality, temperature, precipitation, and more, making it a versatile platform for environmental monitoring and analysis.
Worldview has many pre-made animated Stories for inspiration. These include:
[Atmospheric Rivers](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=-162.295938399713,15.232322210521172,-84.8603184521739,53.72067064750425\&l=Reference\_Features\_15m,Coastlines\_15m,VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\&lg=true\&tr=atmospheric\_rivers\&t=2023-02-24-T10%3A00%3A00Z),[ Assessing Floodwaters](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=-163.31206713701923,-69.19665203309802,154.6711301955983,88.85268113341041\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m\(hidden\),Reference\_Features\_15m\(hidden\),Coastlines\_15m,MODIS\_Combined\_Flood\_3-Day\(disabled=3-4\),MODIS\_Combined\_Flood\_2-Day\(hidden,disabled=3-4\),Land\_Water\_Map,MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\)\&lg=true\&tr=flood-product\&t=2022-11-15-T00%3A00%3A00Z), [Bushfires in Australia](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=89.71966412046179,-48.20074873233188,173.74618255348884,-6.436481569649921\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m\(hidden\),Reference\_Features\_15m\(hidden\),Coastlines\_15m,VIIRS\_SNPP\_Thermal\_Anomalies\_375m\_Day\(hidden\),VIIRS\_SNPP\_Thermal\_Anomalies\_375m\_Night\(hidden\),VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor,MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\)\&lg=false\&tr=australia\_fires\_2019\_2020\&t=2019-09-07-T15%3A25%3A24Z) (September 2019 - Jan 2020), [California and British Columbia Bushfires](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=-150.90029967594097,27.113853099398625,-83.40029967594097,60.66383334436108\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m,Reference\_Features\_15m,Coastlines\_15m\(hidden\),VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\&lg=false\&tr=california\_british\_columbia\_wildfires\_summer\_2018\&t=2018-08-17-T00%3A00%3A00Z) (Summer 2018), [Camp Fire](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=-130.85670519645734,34.151401521848335,-114.34085507473637,42.360385896848335\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m\(hidden\),Reference\_Features\_15m\(hidden\),Coastlines\_15m,VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\&lg=false\&tr=camp\_fire\_november\_2018\&t=2018-11-08-T00%3A00%3A00Z) (November 2018), [Clouds](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=-168.71177596945918,-45.72095779706502,78.64759903054076,77.22574064228698\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m\(hidden\),Reference\_Features\_15m\(hidden\),Coastlines\_15m\(hidden\),VIIRS\_NOAA20\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor,VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\)\&lg=false\&tr=clouds\&t=2020-07-11-T16%3A36%3A51Z), Dust Storms, [Earth at Night](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=-119.61464351651178,-59.6743522298496,153.69261502879823,76.1693977701504\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m\(hidden\),Reference\_Features\_15m\(hidden\),Coastlines\_15m\(hidden\),VIIRS\_SNPP\_DayNightBand\_ENCC\(hidden\),VIIRS\_Black\_Marble,VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\&lg=false\&tr=explore\_the\_earth\_at\_night\&t=2016-01-01-T00%3A00%3A00Z), [Geostationary Imagery every 10 minutes](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=-251.31057583345864,-100.04855384769311,131.23333740825313,90.08982736845601\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m\(hidden\),Reference\_Features\_15m\(hidden\),Coastlines\_15m,GMI\_Brightness\_Temp\_Asc,VIIRS\_NOAA20\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor,MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\)\&lg=true\&tr=geostationary\&t=2021-09-30-T00%3A00%3A00Z), [Hurricane Dorian](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=-2.0390119533492594,-47.36838355665094,202.4821243956519,54.286136209071486\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m,Reference\_Features\_15m,Coastlines\_15m,VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor,MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\)\&lg=false\&tr=hurricane\_dorian\_september\_2019\&t=2019-09-01-T17%3A00%3A00Z), (September 2019), [Hurricane Florence](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=-91.32690967327403,23.11588043300742,-57.57690967327403,39.89087055548865\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m,Reference\_Features\_15m,Coastlines\_15m\(hidden\),IMERG\_Precipitation\_Rate,VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\&lg=false\&tr=hurricane\_florence\_september\_2018\&t=2018-09-12-T00%3A00%3A00Z) (September 2018), [Hurricane Maria](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=-107.24207099143044,-2.6031232274439517,-24.811280146353205,38.36800869002232\&as=2017-09-18-T00%3A00%3A00Z\&ae=2017-09-25-T00%3A00%3A00Z\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m\(hidden\),Reference\_Features\_15m,Coastlines\_15m\(hidden\),VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor,MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\)\&lg=false\&tr=hurricane\_maria\_september\_2017\&al=true\&ab=on\&t=2017-09-25-T00%3A00%3A00Z) (September 2017), [Night LIghts from NASA's Black Marble](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=-171.79472851633733,-68.2180588639,141.49453201669456,87.49821523746475\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m\(hidden\),Reference\_Features\_15m\(hidden\),Coastlines\_15m,VIIRS\_SNPP\_DayNightBand\_At\_Sensor\_Radiance,VIIRS\_SNPP\_DayNightBand\_AtSensor\_M15\(hidden\),VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\)\&lg=true\&tr=black\_marble\_night\_lights\&t=2022-02-06-T00%3A00%3A00Z), [Pine Island Glacier/B-46](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=-6880660.144968824,-3729582.9574279566,6996913.451215595,3168081.0425720434\&p=antarctic\&l=Coastlines\_15m,VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\&lg=false\&tr=pine\_island\_glacier\_icebergb46\_nov\_2018\&t=2018-11-06-T00%3A00%3A00Z) (November 2018), Satellite Detections of Fire (2021 update), [Sinabung Volcano Eruption](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=95.6128517490344,1.7380614657005817,100.67958515587233,4.256414142825081\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m,Reference\_Features\_15m,Coastlines\_15m\(hidden\),VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\&lg=false\&tr=sinabung\_volcano\_eruption\_february\_2018\&t=2018-02-19-T00%3A00%3A00Z) (February 2018), [Sun glint](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=-164.03492287212913,-32.18685220229665,-99.24469284430718,0.016272797703347663\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m\(hidden\),Reference\_Features\_15m\(hidden\),Coastlines\_15m,VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\&lg=false\&tr=sunglint\&t=2019-02-10-T00%3A00%3A00Z), [Swath Gaps](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=-279.14530884139947,-152.08996348912015,266.6788568825824,119.20470284069776\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m\(hidden\),Reference\_Features\_15m\(hidden\),Coastlines\_15m,VIIRS\_NOAA20\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor,MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\)\&lg=false\&tr=swath\_gaps\&t=2023-03-05-T00%3A00%3A00Z) and [Tropical Cyclone Idai](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=19.05204017213108,-28.291373467405606,53.60447179723041,-11.117545342405622\&l=Reference\_Labels\_15m,Reference\_Features\_15m,Coastlines\_15m,VIIRS\_SNPP\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor,MODIS\_Aqua\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\),MODIS\_Terra\_CorrectedReflectance\_TrueColor\(hidden\)\&lg=false\&tr=tc\_idai\_march\_2019\&t=2019-03-14-T00%3A00%3A00Z) (March 2019).
**Map Features**:
* **Change Coordinates format:** latitude and longitude in multiple geographic coordinate systems.
* **Comparison Tool**: compare imagery from two different dates.
* **Coverage:** Global but can be limited in some areas.
* **Data**: download Base Layers as data.
* **Events:** select a date and see the following categories of event - _Dust and Haze, Manmade, Sea and Lake Ice, Severe Storms, Snow, Volcanoes, Water Color, Wildfires._
* **Language:** limited to English.
* **Layers (Base):**
* Blue Marble The MODIS Blue Marble, Next Generation layer is a cloud free, true color composite of MODIS imagery from August 2004.
* Corrected Reflectance (True Color) NOAA-20/VIIRS 2018 JAN 06 - Present
* Corrected Reflectance (True Color) Suomi NPP 2015 NOV 24 - Present
* Corrected Reflectance (True Color) Terra/MODIS 2002 JUL 03 - Present
* Additional layers include: Hazards And Disasters and Science Disciplines (including fires, floods, power plants/nuclear, snow cover, etc.)
* **Layers (Reference):** Place Labels, Coastlines, Coastlines / Borders / Roads.
* **Location search:** search by location name or coordinates.
* **Measure area:** measure area in kilometres.
* **Measure distance:** measure distance between points in kilometres.
* **Place markers:** create placemarks with shareable coordinates.
* **Projection**: Arctic, Antarctic or Geographic.
* **Screenshot:** download a screenshot of a specific area with the ability to define the resolution, file format (JPEG, PNG, GeoTiff, KMZ) and Worldfile.
* **Settings:** set the default temperature units, coordinate format, whether to show the approximate date line and a distraction free mode.
* **Sharing:** share the selected location as a link, embed or to social media with URL shortening available.
* **Timeline tool:** select imagery for a date and jump between dates by day, month or year.
* **Timelapse animation:** create animated gifs of satellite imagery.
* **Zoom tool:** zoom in and out on the map.
**Format**
Only available as a web application.
Example of a search results for the term _Amsterdam_
Screenshot of NASA World View search for Amsterdam
Platform updates and changes [https://github.com/nasa-gibs/worldview/releases/](https://github.com/nasa-gibs/worldview/releases/)
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
open-infrastructure-map
|
Open Infrastructure Map
|
https://openinframap.org
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
OPEN INFRASTRUCTURE MAP INTERFACE, SHOWING THE USER ZOOMING IN ON A LOCATION, SELECTING AN OFFSHORE WIND TURBINE THEN A POWER PLANT, AND SUMMONING AN INFORMATION WINDOW FOR EACH USING LEFT MOUSE CLICK
|
OPEN INFRASTRUCTURE MAP INTERFACE, SHOWING THE USER ZOOMING IN ON A LOCATION, SELECTING AN OFFSHORE WIND TURBINE THEN A POWER PLANT, AND SUMMONING AN INFORMATION WINDOW FOR EACH USING LEFT MOUSE CLICK.
Open Infrastructure Map allows users to search for and view global infrastructure networks which include:
* power lines, power plants, generators, power line supports, switchgear
* telecom
* gas
* petroleum
* water
* other pipelines
Users can select and display different layers of infrastructure data at their chosen location on the globe. The map helps reveal infrastructure data from [OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/) (OSM) which is not as easy to access when directly visiting [OSM](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8437094/).
### The Interface
The tool presents a globe that the user can turn in order to zoom in on a geographical location of interest. A location can also be selected by either typing a name or entering latitude and longitude co-ordinates into the search box on the top left of the screen.
EXPLODED VIEW OF THE OPEN INFRASTRUCTURE MAP INTERFACE, SHOWING SOME OF THE FEATURES AVAILABLE
Clicking the **Layers button** on the right of the screen opens a checkbox list of various types of infrastructure that the user can select or deselect for display. Clicking the **Key button** provides a guide to interpreting the icons and colored lines representing various infrastructure types, which the user can consult to identify the infrastructure being displayed. For example, an icon of a tower denotes a telecom tower; a red line represents a ≥ 220 kV powerline, and so forth.
Once the user has zoomed in sufficiently on a location — e.g. a power station -- the user can left click on it, which opens a mini window containing additional details about the location.
**EXAMPLE OF A MINI WINDOW SHOWING INFORMATION ABOUT THE TERMINI IMERESE POWER PLANT IN MALTA**
The map also provides a selectable "[nighttime lights](https://mapyourgrid.org/tools/)" background option, in addition to the standard OSM background. This option could allow open source researchers to discover electrical grid damage or preservation after a natural disaster, for example.
On the top left of the screen, one can access significant functionality via the menu links labelled **About, Stats** and **Export**:
* **Stats:** This link allows for selecting an area (usually a country) to obtain statistical information on its electricity network; specifically:
* The proportions of different voltage power lines and their cumulative length:
EXAMPLE OUTPUT FOR USA: POWER LINES WITH DISTRIBUTION BY VOLTAGE & LENGTH:
* The power plants by number, energy source and output in megawatts (MW):
EXAMPLE OUTPUT FOR USA: POWER PLANTS DISTRIBUTED BY NUMBER, SOURCE & MW
These statistics give a quick picture of the shape and composition of power generation and power networks. That said, the statistics are based on OSM data, which is crowdsourced and therefore rarely 100% reliable.
* **Export:** This link details the scope of the Open Infrastructure Map data, the available formats for export and their limitations, and gives access to purchase exported data, along with the relevant terms and conditions. At the time of writing on 30/7/25, prices ranged from GBP 80 for a power export per country to GBP 700 for a power export worldwide.
Open Infrastructure Map can support investigations around infrastructure, general geolocations and ecology/sustainability.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Unknown
|
active
| |
hitta.se
|
Hitta.se
|
https://www.hitta.se/
|
people
|
[
"people",
"maps-and-satellites/maps"
] |
Hitta.se is a tool that specializes in providing comprehensive information, ranging from phone numbers and addresses to maps and driving directions for individuals and businesses in Sweden. It serves
|
Hitta.se is a tool that specializes in providing comprehensive information, ranging from phone numbers and addresses to maps and driving directions for individuals and businesses in Sweden. It serves as a multi-purpose platform where users can search for detailed data on various types of entities within Sweden. Whether it's looking up a local restaurant, finding the contact information of a business, or mapping out a route. It has a significant amount of data about individuals which requires caution when using it.
#### People and Business Features:
* **All Categories:** a directory of industries, companies and people.
* **Annual reports:** financial statements for over 400,000 Swedish companies.
* **Company Boards:** information about Sweden's company boards.
* **Key figures:** company information for all Swedish companies.
* **Land boundaries:** map of different plot boundaries.
* **Noteworthy People:** list of Sweden's most searched for people.
* **Plot report**: overview map, areas, plans, regulations, and assessment information.
* **People search:** search peoples' home address, phone number, date of birth, other members living in the same house, real estate value, mortgage rate.
**Warning:** The Bellingcat volunteer community does not support the use of this tool for any form of doxxing or inappropriate use of this information (see: [**Ethical Considerations**](./#ethical-considerations)).
#### Map Features:
* **Coordinates tool:** latitude and longitude in multiple geographic coordinate systems.
* **Coverage:** limited to Sweden.
* **Measure distance:** measure distance between points in metres.
* **Imagery:** Map, Satellite, 3D, Drone Imagery, Land boundary plots, Topographic Map, Open Air - House trends price.
* **Language:** limited to Swedish.
* **Location search:** search by location name.
* **Directions:** cars and public transport directions and times.
* **Print:** print the visible screen area.
* **Sharing:** share a link to the selected location.
* **Your location:** share your location and automatically see it on the map (if you are in Sweden).
* **Zoom tool:** zoom in and out on the map.
#### Formats:
* iPad
* Mobile
* Web
Search results for the search term _Stockholm:_
Screenshot of search results for the term Stockholm
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Freemium
|
active
| |
grep.app
|
Grep.app
|
https://grep.app/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
grep.app is a free web-based search engine that allows users to search the contents of public GitHub repositories using keywords or regular expressions (regex). It is primarily used by developers, sec
|
grep.app is a free web-based search engine that allows users to search the contents of public GitHub repositories using keywords or regular expressions (regex). It is primarily used by developers, security researchers, and OSINT investigators to locate code snippets, context data, or sensitive information that may have been committed to public repositories.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
wildlife-trade-portal
|
Wildlife Trade Portal
|
https://www.wildlifetradeportal.org/
|
environment_and_wildlife
|
[
"environment-and-wildlife"
] |
An open-source tool to search wildlife seizure data worldwide.
|
This tool helps researchers explore and visualize wildlife trade seizures around the world by filtering by individual incidents or events. You can search by species, countries involved and dates. An advanced search allows you to include incidents involving organized crime and corruption, people, specific locations and taxonomic characteristics of species. As a result you will get charts and visuals that enable you to explore incidents by country, year, taxonomy, commodity type, category (for example, seizure or enforcement action), transport method, trade routes and transit type (airport, road, etc).
You will also see a results page with a list of the incident, a map that locates incidents in the countries involved, and other charts that you can reproduce and modify depending on what you need.
For example, you can see the number of people by government involvement over time or the number of incidents by type of transit over time. You can also search for multiple species. In this way, you can find incidents related to all the species you are looking for.
Search example: Seizures of pangolins in Nigeria in recent years.
The results can be exported. Have a look at [this user guide (pdf) ](https://www.wildlifetradeportal.org/wildlife-trade-portal-guide.pdf)to get a sense of how the dashboard looks like.
You can contribute to this site by providing the source, the date, the country of an incident, any associated countries on the trade route, any associated species, the type of commodity, and the quantity of commodity of a seizure of which you are aware.
The Wildlife Trade Portal is also connected to another tool called [TimberStats](https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/f334dde3d5bd4f9fb2ba02516bd48c45/page/INFO/). This site, launched on November 2024, allows you to explore timber trade data from the UN Comtrade database via API. It offers an Annual Trade Statistics Dashboard, where you can explore trade flows around the world, and an Annual Trade Discrepancies Dashboard, where you can find inconsistencies in reported trade between two countries.
To date, this tool continues to receive frequent updates. Recently, the tool provider [confirmed](https://www.traffic.org/news/fight-against-illegal-wildlife-trade-boosted-by-wolfson-tech-funding-award/) that it will use a grant to support the use of AI in order to further refine the tool.
* [x] Free
* [ ] Partially Free
* [ ] Paid
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Unknown
|
active
| |
internet-archive
|
Wayback Machine
|
https://web.archive.org/
|
archiving
|
[
"archiving",
"websites"
] |
The Wayback Machine launched in 1996 and contains over 28 years of web history. According to the [Internet Archive](https://archive.org/projects/), the Wayback Machine “contains over 2 petabytes of da
|
The Wayback Machine launched in 1996 and contains over 28 years of web history. According to the [Internet Archive](https://archive.org/projects/), the Wayback Machine “contains over 2 petabytes of data compressed, or 150+ billion web captures, including content from every top-level domain, 200+ million web sites, and over 40 languages.”
For example, here is how amazon.com looked in 1999 versus 2024:
amazon.com in 1999
amazon.com in 2024
The Wayback Machine can be accessed not only through the Internet Archive's website, but also through:
* [Chrome Extension](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/wayback-machine/fpnmgdkabkmnadcjpehmlllkndpkmiak?hl=en-US)
* [Firefox Add-on](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/wayback-machine_new/)
* [Safari Extension](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wayback-machine/id1472432422)
* [MS Edge Add-on](https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/wayback-machine/kjmickeoogghaimmomagaghnogelpcpn?hl=en-US)
* [iOS app](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayback-machine/id1201888313)
* [Android app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.internetarchive.waybackmachine)
Several APIs are also available to access information about Wayback capture data. [View the available APIs here](https://archive.org/help/wayback_api.php).
[Learn more about the Wayback Machine](https://help.archive.org/help/wayback-machine-general-information/).
### The Internet Archive
The Internet Archive includes numerous other projects. Some are designed for institutions and organizations with paid tiers, and others are free. [View other projects by the Internet Archive](https://archive.org/projects/).
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
national-interagency-fire-center
|
National Interagency Fire Center
|
https://www.nifc.gov/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
The [National Interagency Fire Center](https://www.nifc.gov/) is a resource for wild land fire personnel and other emergency services employees to perform their jobs regarding wildfire management.
Th
|
The [National Interagency Fire Center](https://www.nifc.gov/) is a resource for wild land fire personnel and other emergency services employees to perform their jobs regarding wildfire management.
The NFIC's website provides historical information on wildfires in the United States including statistics, maps, daily situation reports, news, agency-specific information and general information about how ground wildfires are managed. A researcher can use the site in various ways including clicking on the links for specific information relating to wildfires including general fire data, updates to current wildfire incidents, historical information for past wildfires, maps, statistics and more. The website also offers a keyword search function which will return the results containing the searched terms.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
4cat
|
4CAT
|
https://4cat.nl/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
4CAT is an open-source, containerised web application (commonly deployed via Docker) for capturing, importing, and analysing online data through an accessible browser interface. Researchers create dat
|
4CAT is an open-source, containerised web application (commonly deployed via Docker) for capturing, importing, and analysing online data through an accessible browser interface. Researchers create datasets from supported platforms or import datasets collected with companion tools; they can then run a large library of “processors” to explore trends, content, networks, and media. 4CAT is designed to make repeatable capture and analysis workflows available without requiring programming for day-to-day use, but installation and maintenance do require technical setup.
### **Features**
#### Data Sources
**Direct capture in 4CAT** (actively supported in the project README)
* 4chan and 8kun
* Bluesky
* Telegram
* TikTok (from a list of TikTok post URLs)
* Tumblr
**Import via Zeeschuimer** (browser-based capture, then import to 4CAT)
* TikTok (posts and comments)
* Instagram (posts only)
* X/Twitter
* LinkedIn
* 9gag
* Imgur
* Douyin
* Gab
* Truth Social
* Threads
* Pinterest
* RedNote/Xiaohongshu
**Import from other tools or files**
* Facebook and Instagram: via [Facepager exports](https://github.com/strohne/Facepager) (CrowdTangle is discontinued; only legacy exports apply if already obtained)
* YouTube videos and comments: via [YouTube Data Tools](https://ytdt.digitalmethods.net/)
* Weibo: via [Bazhuayu](https://www.bazhuayu.com/)
* Generic imports: CSV files and common media formats (audio, video, images) can also be uploaded for analysis.
#### Scheduling
Once data sources are configured, 4CAT can be used in ongoing workflows (repeated collection + scheduled processor runs), depending on the connector and your deployment setup.
_**Processors**_
(examples; the library evolves across releases)
* Filtering and transformation: filter by value/date/keywords; anonymise fields; convert between common formats (CSV, JSON, NDJSON)
* Metrics and exploration: counts and distributions over time; “top terms” style summaries; thread and post metrics
* Text analysis: entity extraction, topic modelling, word counts, and other NLP-style processors
* Networks: exports and processors for network analysis and visualisation (including GEXF outputs)
* Media analysis: image walls, downloading media, and image-oriented processors; newer releases also add processors that support LLM-assisted annotation and evaluation depending on configuration.
#### Examples
The example below shows creating a new dataset and then visualising results with a stream graph (a stacked time-series view that helps you compare how topics/terms rise and fall over time).
In this example, Tumblr is selected to collect posts/comments. Here, the dataset is defined via tags entered in the Tags/blogs field (e.g., `#liminalspaces`), and the results are visualised over time to compare term/topic trends.
Screenshot of 4Cat create new dataset screen.
Example of the customisation of a steam graph visualisation in 4Cat.
Example of stream graph visualisation in 4CAT: a stacked time-series that shows how the volume of selected terms/topics/categories changes over time, making it easier to spot peaks, sustained growth, and shifts in relative prominence.
4Cat, once installed, is available in the following formats:
* Web
Latest changes: [https://github.com/digitalmethodsinitiative/4cat/releases](https://github.com/digitalmethodsinitiative/4cat/releases)
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
global-monitoring-system
|
Global Monitoring System - ECOSOLVE
|
https://www.ecosolve.eco/dashboard
|
environment_and_wildlife
|
[
"environment-and-wildlife"
] |
Illicit online wildlife markets data from Brazil, South Africa and Thailand.
|
This tool allows us to explore a [growing](https://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Monitoring-illegal-wildlife-trade-Brazil-and-South-Africa-GI-TOC-October-2024.pdf) phenomenon in the world of wildlife trafficking: the use of social networks and online marketplaces to offer live animals or parts of them. To date, the tool has [recorded](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/september-2025-the-global-initiative-against-tran-hqs9f/) nearly 13,000 online wildlife trade ads on various platforms, written in 29 different languages, across 10 data hubs.
Traffickers use social networks and online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace to sell or ask for live animals for sale or animal parts. The trade is sometimes connected with other illegal markets such as drugs trafficking. The screenshot above is from a video that you can find here.
The system allows filtering by 31 species, 16 countries plus unknown location (among the countries you can find Brazil, South Africa, Bangladesh, Colombia, India, Turkey, Thailand) and 40 different online marketplaces such as Instagram, Facebook, OLX and Mercado Livre (the last two refer to online marketplaces). When you perform a search you will get different visuals showing the number of detections, a market tracker and a trend monitor, all very useful to understand the market prevalence in certain online marketplaces.
Here, for example, I have searched for Pangolin in all countries + all platforms covered by the site.
The visuals are set to show me how many ads are available on the topic.
In addition, you will get a database that lists the website, name, species, type of product (live or parts), where it was sold, among other information. You can also download the whole database.
This is what the database looks like when searching for Pangolin.
Additionally, there is an [analysis section](https://www.ecosolve.eco/analysis) where you can find different publications and events on online wildlife trade, environmental trade, among other relevant topics from the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GI TOC).
The ECOSOLVE initiative can be useful for those researching wildlife trade who want to explore online marketplaces and species trade ads. It can be a good place to start looking for patterns and discover the most relevant social networks and online marketplaces to search more thoroughly using other tools.
ECOSOLVE is not just a tool. Its team also leads various [cooperation initiatives](https://globalinitiative.net/announcements/community-led-responses-to-environmental-crime-in-indonesia/) between local actors and law enforcement agencies to combat environmental crime.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
mapillary
|
Mapillary
|
https://www.mapillary.com/
|
maps_and_satellites
|
[
"maps-and-satellites/maps",
"maps-and-satellites/street-view"
] |
Mapillary is a crowdsourced street-level imagery platform.
|
Mapillary is a street-level imagery platform that uses crowdsourced photos and videos to map the world. This tool allows users to upload images and videos taken from various devices, which are then used to create detailed, immersive maps. The primary problem Mapillary solves is the lack of street view imagery from all around the world. It utilizes computer vision technology to analyze and stitch together images.
Mapillary lets you filter results by date and feature e.g. streetlights, rubbish bins, traffic signs, CCTV cameras, etc.
Available in the following formats:
* Web
* Mobile
* Command line and desktop image uploaders are also available
Screenshot of a search for street level imagery in Amsterdam with Mapillary
### **Example Use Cases**
Online Open Source Investigators can leverage Mapilliary in numerous ways:
* **Geolocation** The primary use for Mapilliary is geolocation where users can identify and confirm the geographic position of an image or video from landmarks, public utilities, and service locations.
* **Fact-Checking:** Mapillary can also serve as a tool for fact-checking statements or claims about specific locations. Open source researchers can verify the existence of certain buildings, street signs, or other landmarks to authenticate claims.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
resource-watch
|
Resource Watch
|
https://resourcewatch.org/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
Uses geospatial data from satellites, ground sensors and web scraping to provide insights on topics such as climate change, poverty, water risk, state instability, air pollution and human migration.
|
Uses geospatial data from satellites, ground sensors and web scraping to provide insights on topics such as climate change, poverty, water risk, state instability, air pollution and human migration.
It allows a user to explore and overlay different datasets and also to create custom dashboards based on one’s specific area of research.
Datasets are sourced from governments, intergovernmental organizations, research institutions, and scientific publications.
Some data are updated every hour, every 12 hours, monthly, annually, and some less frequently. There is the possibility to sign up for alerts every time a dataset is updated.
It has an open-source API which lets developers build customized tools. For example, it has informed offshoot thematic data initiatives such as [Ocean Watch](https://blog.resourcewatch.org/2021/11/29/how-listening-to-a-sea-of-voices-can-transform-ocean-management/) and [Land & Carbon Lab](https://dobecology.foleon.com/go/4-optimism-in-times-of-crises/wri-resource-watch/#block-100185753).
Data from Resource Watch has been used for example, for:
* [monitoring tree cover loss and fires ](https://blog.resourcewatch.org/2019/04/11/how-resource-watch-changed-the-way-we-monitor-the-planets-pulse/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)within protected areas
* [providing data on environmental trends](https://blog.resourcewatch.org/2019/04/11/how-resource-watch-changed-the-way-we-monitor-the-planets-pulse/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) and risks to financial institutions
* informing early warning systems for local officials in predicting when water stress can influence conflict and political instability before it spreads through the [Water, Peace and Security (WPS) initiative](https://www.un-ihe.org/news/water-peace-and-security-initiative)
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
geo-data-tool
|
Geo Data Tool
|
https://www.geodatatool.com/
|
websites
|
[
"websites"
] |
GeoDataTool is an IP geolocation service that allows users to identify the geographical location and other technical information associated to an IP address. The tool provides details such as country,
|
GeoDataTool is an IP geolocation service that allows users to identify the geographical location and other technical information associated to an IP address. The tool provides details such as country, region, city, organization, and server location.
For researchers, it is important to note that GeoDataTool will not enable you to precisely geolocate a person or an end-user's device such as their smartphone or laptop.
Due to how [IP addresses are assigned](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address#IP_address_assignment), GeoDataTool will only allow you to obtain an approximate location of the network point to which your target IP address is assigned (a home router, a data center server, or any other [network point](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Networking_hardware)).
Whether or not this network point actually corresponds to the location of your target can vary greatly.
Therefore, before using GeoDataTool, it is important for you to understand how the IP address you are investigating relates to your target:
* if you are investigating a website's IP address, chances are the IP address you have corresponds to the location of a server managed by a hosting service (Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Tencent, etc). It is therefore not an indication of where the company, organization or person operating the website is located.
* if you are investigating an end-user device's IP address, there is a possibility that your target is using a [VPN server or similar proxy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VPN_service), which will provide the location of the VPN/proxy server, and not the actual device's location. In the case they are not using a VPN/proxy, their device may also be assigned a dynamic IP address, which means the IP address will be assigned to a different network point overtime.
Once you are more familiar with the limitations of using IP addresses for geolocation, GeoDataTool may still be useful to gain some insights:
* Does the IP address I am researching remain at the same location over time? If so, it is likely a static IP address, which might hint to location information about my target.
* Is the hostname the IP address is pointing to under a specific name? If so, it is possible this IP address is associated with a particular hosting provider or company. Is there any notable information about this company I can infer, such as a country/region of operation?
* How do the information found above contrast with the claimed or perceived location of the target of my researches?
With these limitations in mind, to use GeoDataTool, you will simply need to input the IP address or domain name you wish to locate. Note that if you input the domain name, the tool will automatically resolve its IP address, which can be useful as you may not necessarily know the IP address of a domain.
Let's take the domain bellingcat.com as an example:
_(GeoDataTool querry result for bellingcat.com)_
* **Hostname**: _server-3-174-207-31.qro51.r.cloudfront.net_ appears to be a CloudFront hostname. A few quick searches will identify that Cloudfront is Amazon's [Content Delivery Network](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Content_delivery_network) (CDN) service. In addition, the 'ord58' refers to CloudFront's [CDN Edge server](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Content_delivery_network) location code. "ORD" typically refers to Chicago, Illinois, and "58" would be a specific edge server identifier.
* **IP Address:** if you are searching from a domain, this is the IP address of the server hosting the domain you look up.
* **Country/County code:** this shows which country the server is physically located in. The server hosting bellingcat.com is in the United States.
* **Region/City/Postal code:** similar information on the server hosting bellingcat.com.
* **Latitude/Longitude:** these are GPS coordinates that pinpoint the exact location on the map.
**Why the hostname location and IP address location may be different?**
If you have read through the information presented above, there is a notable discrepancy in the information that GeoDataTool returns: the hostname points to a location in Chicago, Illinois, whereas all other IP location information are returning Seattle, Washington. How is this possible? This is because hostname is obtained through a process called [reverse DNS lookup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_DNS_lookup), where the tool queries the IP address to find its associated hostname. When you enter 'bellingcat.com' into GeoDataTool, it first finds the IP address assigned to the domain bellingcat.com (3.170.152.110), then performs a reverse lookup on that IP. This reverse lookup uses a [PTR (pointer) record](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/dns/dns-records/dns-ptr-record/) that maps the IP back to a hostname.
In this case, Amazon CloudFront has configured their PTR record for this IP to point to server-3-170-152-110.**ord58**.r.cloudfront.net, which based on the 'ord58' code is located in Chicago.
On the other hand, the geolocation data showing Seattle likely comes from third-party databases that attempt to map IP addresses to physical locations based on registration records and historical data. These databases often show where an IP was originally administratively registered rather than where it's actually being used.
Therefore, in this case, the hostname's location code ('ord58' for Chicago) is likely more accurate for indicating where the server for that IP address is actually located.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
bellingcat-tiktok-hashtag-analysis
|
Bellingcat TikTok Hashtag Analysis
|
https://github.com/bellingcat/tiktok-hashtag-analysis
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
This open-source tool enables researchers to download posts from TikTok for a specified list of hashtags and create a local database of posts. It utilizes the unofficial [TikTok API wrapper](https://t
|
This open-source tool enables researchers to download posts from TikTok for a specified list of hashtags and create a local database of posts. It utilizes the unofficial [TikTok API wrapper](https://tyk.io/blog/what-is-an-api-wrapper-and-why-would-you-use-one/) and [Playwright ](https://www.thoughtworks.com/en-us/radar/languages-and-frameworks/playwright)to fetch posts via a browser session, and optionally uses [Yt-dlp](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Yt-dlp) [to download the videos](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/bellingcat/tiktok-hashtag-analysis/main/README.md). The tool is run from the command line and can accept multiple hashtags at once; it stores posts in a structured `posts.json` file and [saves any downloaded media](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/bellingcat/tiktok-hashtag-analysis/main/README.md) to a `media` folder.
In addition to scraping, the tool includes simple analysis functions. Investigators can plot or print tables showing the most common co‑occurring hashtags for a selected hashtag. For example, a researcher could collect trending posts tagged with **#london** and then plot the top twenty hashtags that appear alongside that tag. Such analyses can help identify common themes or potential influence campaigns.
The tool provides a snapshot of what is currently trending on TikTok rather than a full archive. Running the tool repeatedly over time will gradually build a richer dataset. Command-line interface tool that downloads posts and videos from TikTok for a given set of hashtags over a period of time. Users can create a growing database of posts for specific hashtags, which can then be used for further analysis of hashtags. It utilizes the TikTokApi Python package to download posts and employs yt-dlp to download videos. Also provides basic analysis features, such as identifying and visualizing the most common co-occurring hashtags for a specified hashtag.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
soar
|
Soar
|
https://soaratlas.com/discover
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
SEARCHING FOR MAPS FOR A GIVEN LOCATION, VIEWING OVERLAY ON OPENSTREETMAP AND SATELLITE DATA USING GEOREFERENCED TRANSPARENCY FEATURE, SELECTING APPROPRIATE SATELLITES PASSING OVERHEAD
{% hint style=
|
SEARCHING FOR MAPS FOR A GIVEN LOCATION, VIEWING OVERLAY ON OPENSTREETMAP AND SATELLITE DATA USING GEOREFERENCED TRANSPARENCY FEATURE, SELECTING APPROPRIATE SATELLITES PASSING OVERHEAD
{% hint style="info" %}
The Tajikistan National Mosaic map was chosen from the database because it was made many decades ago by the Soviet military (as part of a much larger project) before the break up of the Soviet Union. The skill and survey manpower which were employed in its creation mean that it contains some of the most valuable information which is available today on such remote regions. Soar provides a wealth of maps made in the past, which is a useful reminder of their value, as well as an important resource for Open Source researchers.
{% endhint %}
Soar is described as a Digital Atlas containing over a million maps. Its main functions are:
* **Map Database access**
Provision of [read and write access](#user-content-fn-1)[^1] to a large and growing searchable database of maps from all geographies, indexed in many dimensions, such as resolution, georeference status, topical interest category[^2]. These include maps animated to show change over time and drone imagery, as well as satellite imagery.
* **Selection and acquisition of Satellite Imagery**
Selection and acquisition of satellite imagery from a range of providers, both free and purchased. Available satellite paths can be displayed and filtered over any map of interest, so that users can direct their search for relevant satellite imagery to the appropriate satellite service, date and time.
* **Narrative Creation and Data Sharing**
Provision of online visualisation features allowing the creation of multi-image narratives, and the facility to upload and share user imagery, including narrative formats.
These constitute some of the major tasks which Open Source researchers undertake during investigations, making Soar **a multi-purpose platform for OSINV**.
{% hint style="success" %}
Note that some satellite imagery maps in the Soar database are of very high quality, i.e. 8cm per pixel resolution, making them particularly valuable resources. Such imagery is expensive to obtain if specifically purchased or commissioned.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="danger" %}
**DATA ORIGINS:**
**Soar offers free satellite imagery from the Sentinel (European-owned) and NASA (US-owned) services, which are relatively low resolution. The paid satellite imagery options offered at higher resolution are Jilin-1 satellite (Chinese-owned) services.**
**There are locations for which no imagery and a 'restricted' message is returned by some of these services, e.g. these messages from Chinese-owned services re:requests for imagery for areas in Taiwan & Mongolia.**
**It is always advisable to consider any potential conflicts of interest between the suppliers of geographical data and the investigative locations for which researchers are requesting imagery. Cross-checking of satellite data from multiple sources may not always be possible, either because of lack availability at comparable resolutions, or high prices attached to images required for confirmation.**
Note that Soar does not provide dates for the satellite base layer it provides from OpenStreetMap, which could affect the usefulness of Soar's map overlay facility.
{% endhint %}
### The Soar Interface
{% hint style="info" %}
The Discover and Maps sections of the Soar interface are in fact just different routes to the same information - the maps database. Discover is centred around searching information by category, whilst Maps is centred around searching for information by location.
{% endhint %}
COMPARISON OF THE MAP AND DISCOVERY MODES OFFERED BY SOAR
{% columns %}
{% column %}
**SOAR DATA SOURCES**
Data sources for Soar's million maps include:
1\. **Individuals** (example https://soar.earth/profile/Warmapper and https://soar.earth/profile/spacefromspace)
**2. Organizations** (https://soar.earth/profile/UN or https://soar.earth/profile/EU)
**3. Government agency** (https://soar.earth/profile/USGS)
**4. Other satellite image providers** (https://soar.earth/profile/Umbra)
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
**SOAR MAP INFORMATION TYPES**
The database includes:
* a wide variety of geographically distributed information,e.g. weather, maritime tides, distribution of dust and ash, soil moisture, population, radar, ...
* different time modalities, e.g. static maps created over a long time period stretching back at the time of writing (Oct 25) to at least 1572, maps displaying real-time information feeds, animated gif maps displaying a sequence of changing information over time.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
Soar maps are searchable by features including location, map category, indexing tags, uploading username, georeference[^3] status,...
Soar groups maps under a developing framework of categories. Click the arrow to see some typical Soar categories as at October 25...
AgricultureClimateConflict ZoneCultureDemographicsEarth ArtEconomicEnvironmentGeologyHistoryImageryMarine/NauticalPoliticsRadarSpaceportElevation/TopographyTransportUrban
***
Soar's repository of over a million maps covers diverse locations, topics and timeframes. Click the arrow to see Soar map examples demonstrating the variety of content...
Cover imageRussian Map dated 1776Despite its age, this map is georeferenced to fit over a modern OpenStreetMap worldmap. russia1776.JPGConstruction Timelapse of Wenchang Space Launch Site, ChinaThis animated GIF of satellite imagery shows the construction of a Chinese spaceport.ezgif-18f0d12cf6dc6a.gifWorld Sea Surface Temperatures, Last 24 hours from NASAThis data feed map shows sea temperatures in degrees Centrigrade and usually updates daily.nasaworldseatemps.JPG
### Soar User Data: Input, Output and Use Cases
_**Click on the different tabs below**_ to view Soar's data input, output and use cases...
{% tabs fullWidth="false" %}
{% tab title="DATA INPUT" %}
What types of data can the user give Soar?
* Location
* Map filtering properties, e.g Map category, Map format, Map indexing tags
* Satellite filtering properties
* Animated satellite GIF sequence properties
* Media for graphical narrative creation
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="SOAR OUTPUT" %}
What types of output does Soar give users?
* Maps
* Satellite imagery
* Animated GIFs of satellite imagery (Sentinel images only, processed via the Sentinel site)
* Graphic Narratives
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="USE CASES" %}
Why might a user approach Soar?
* Looking for a map
* Looking for satellite imagery
* Triangulating a problem by overlaying two data sources and using transparency
* Creating an animated GIF to display satellite imagery changing over time
* Communicating and sharing a narrative in graphical formatInput text name of location OR
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="GRAPHICAL INPUT OPTIONS" %}
What different options does the user have for data input to Soar?
* Text name of a location OR
* Geographical co-ordinates of the location OR
* Point and click at a location on a map
* Define an Area of Interest by drawing a bounding box rectangle on the base map with the mouse.
* Media content for upload to the Soar platform must comply with the following formats:
* Georeferenced maps=GeoTIFF, ECW and JP
* LoFi Map formats = PNG and JPEG and create geographical media
NB Location can be input as co-ordinates or a location name in MAPS section, but only as location name in DISCOVERY section
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
{% hint style="danger" %}
There are quite a few elements which, in practice, don't actually export to GeoJSON format from Soar. GeoJSON export is described as a 'basic geometry' export'.
{% endhint %}
### **Navigating the Interface to the Soar Map Database**
The Soar interface has been regularly updated and redesigned since its launch. The Interface offers 4 main views: 1) Database Query, 2) Map Inspection, 3) Satellite Image Acquisition & 4) Narrative Creation
#### **VIEW ONE: At Database Query Level**
**T**he Soar interface provides lists of maps relating to a given location, ways to filter them, a selection of base world map views, and a filterable selection of satellite paths.
THE SOAR INTERFACE WHEN SEARCHING FOR MAPS
When working from a location, users can:
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Define
Enter a name or co-ordinates, Zoom to a region and select an exact bounding box location with the box zoom function.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### View
View and filter the maps presented by Soar around this specific location
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Select
Select a map and, if available, change Transparency to inspect the overlay of the georeferenced map against the base map, comparing features
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Compare
Change the base map to inspect against OpenStreetMap, OpenElevation, Satellite and Hybrid views
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Find Satellite Imagery
Open and filter satellite paths to establish which could provide imagery of the region
Invoke SATELLITE mode to find historic imagery or to commission immediate satellite imagery of the specifc location (both free and paid offered)
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Create and Share A Narrative
Invoke STOARY mode to create narrative content
Invoke UPLOAD mode to add content to the Soar database
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
#### **VIEW TWO: At Map Inspection Level**
**T**he Soar interface offers data on the account which posted the map, the facility to read and post comments, the set of tags describing the map, and the ability to adjust the map transparency against the base map underlay, and a tool to create graphic narratives.
SOAR MAP VIEW SHOWING SHARE & COMMENT, PIN & BOOKMARK & TRANPARENCY SLIDER FEATURES
{% hint style="info" %}
Note that Soar categorises maps as either Georeferences or LoFi as per the definitions below:
{% endhint %}
{% columns %}
{% column width="50%" %}
**LOFI MAPS - NOT GEOREFERENCED**
Can't be linked to real-world co-ordinates
These are image files which can't be layered on top of standard geographic basemaps like OSM, due to the lack of necessary data to position them on a map accurately. Users may still zoom in and pan around using Soar, but it's best to treat them as standalone images that can't be integrated with geographic layers.
{% endcolumn %}
{% column width="50%" %}
**GEOREFERENCED MAPS**
Has been linked to real-world co-ordinates
These are maps or images (whether satellite, aerial, or drone capture) which contain specific Earth coordinates and allow for precise geographic positioning. This coordinate-linking allows for layering additional map data on top or making transparency adjustments.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% hint style="warning" %}
The transparency slider is not available for LoFi maps.
{% endhint %}
#### VIEW THREE: At Satellite Image Acquisition Level
SOAR'S SATELLITE IMAGERY ACQUISITION INTERFACE, OFFERING FREE LOWER RESOLUTION IMAGERY FROM SENTINEL-2 AND NASA SERVICES AND PAID HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGERY FROM TWO CHINESE SATELLITE SERVICES
The Soar satellite imagery interface supports access to satellite imagery for areas of interest and timeframes specified by the user, offering both free and charged data:
1. Sentinel-2 : Medium resolution, free images from European satellites at 10m/pixel resolution upwards
2. NASA : Low resolution, free imagery from US government satellites at 30m/pixel resolution
3. Pics from Space, a charged service at [https://www.picsfromspace.com/](https://www.picsfromspace.com/), which offers two charged data services from [Chinese satellite](#user-content-fn-4)[^4]s, including the ability to commission new satellite imagery according to user specification.
_a_nd providing the ability to combine sequential satellite images into an animated gif via the Sentinel interface. This GIF map uploaded to Soar is [an example about a wildfire](https://soaratlas.com/maps/oceania-judbarra-national-park-wildfire-australia-august-2025-136339?basemap=Hybrid\&pos=-16.199419136431956%2C130.41824000000003%2C9.99).
{% hint style="warning" %}
**BROWSER ISSUE:** The picsfromspace.com platform to which Soar connects users ordering paid satellite imagery does not function properly using the Firefox browser, since the basemap used to select a location is not visible in Firefox, though it works in Chrome browser.
{% endhint %}
#### VIEW FOUR: A**t Narrative Creation Level**
**Narrative Creation Use Case**
Rather than using static imagery or a map screenshot, users can use pages of maps/imagery to add context, descriptions, icons, and additional multimedia. This helps walk readers through a story arc tied to a place or several places.
THE SOAR INTERFACE FOR NARRATIVE CREATION OF 'STOARIES' SHOWING PAGE MANAGEMENT MENU AND ANNOTATION TOOLS
1\. **On-Map Tools for Drawing, Map-making and Image Import include:**
* Area Measurement: Calculate area in km².
* Ruler: Measure linear distances in km.
* KML Import: Import KML files for overlay and AOI definition.
* Text, Arrow, Circle, Square tools for annotations.
* Latitude/Longitude display.
2. **Page Management Tools**
When creating a narrative, each page of Soar's 'Stoary' represents a distinct location/view where users can add context.
Soar's step-by-step guide to creating a Stoary is found here: [Soar's Step-by-Step Guide on YouTube](https://youtu.be/G97wi-zaTfM?si=5d4vcSnTD4l_RgNj).
#### Narrative Creation Demonstration
Research conducted by Bellingcat Volunteer Community members on Tajikistan is used below to demonstrate and compare narrative creation using
{% columns %}
{% column width="25%" %}
![]()
{% endcolumn %}
{% column width="75%" %}
Soar's "Create a Map" button allows the user to create a Soar map, which can contain multiple pages and annotations, and can be run to display the pages in sequence, like a form of 'slide show'.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
In the table below, Soar's narrative output is compared below with the popular standard Google Earth Web interactive map functionality, using example research material on imagery of inscriptions from Tajikistan.
{% hint style="warning" %}
IMPORTANT: SOAR only produces slides, not animations or videos.
This material is for demonstration purposes only (and does not constitute an investigation.)
{% endhint %}
{% columns %}
{% column width="50%" %}
1. SOAR'S "STOARY" FUNCTIONALITY
Click the image above to explore the visualization created with Soar to test this feature
**OUTPUT: What Soar Produces**
Interactive slide presentation (not an animation or video) with the facility to use multiple map bases.
The animation below was created to showcase Soar's output. _**Click the image below**_ to enlarge and watch.
{% endcolumn %}
{% column width="50%" %}
2. GOOGLE EARTH WEB FUNCTIONALITY
Click this Google Earth Web project link to compare this feature in Google Earth Web with Soar's narrative creation functionality.
OUTPUT: What Google Earth Web Produces
Interactive single page map which can be run as a slide presentation (not an animation, video or slide show)
The animation below was created to showcase Google Earth Web's output. _**Click the image below**_ to enlarge and watch.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
#### **Soar QGIS Plugin (for advanced users) provides:**
[_QGIS (Quantum Geographic Information System)_](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/qgis) is a free and open-source geographic information system (GIS) software. It lets users create, view, edit, and analyze maps. It lets users layer different types of geographic information, like satellite imagery, roads, boundaries, and other points of interest, to create custom maps.
For Soar users, QGIS can be a complementary tool. While Soar hosts maps and imagery online, QGIS enables users to download them for offline analysis, combine them with other data sources, perform measurements, and create maps with multiple data layers.
The workflow also goes both ways. Users can process and enhance imagery in QGIS, then export the results back to Soar.
**Soar QGIS Plugin features are:**
Direct export of QGIS maps and images to SoarThis allows publishing QGIS projects directly to Soar without intermediate file conversions.Browse and load Soar's public catalog into QGIS projectsThis allows access to Soar's entire repository of public maps and imagery as layers within QGIS projects for analysis and mapping.Batch upload functionality This allows uploading an entire folder of raster data to Soar via the plugin.
Follow the step-by-step instructions for installing and using the Soar Maps QGIS plugin here: [Soar QGIS Plugin Step-By-Step Instruction](https://north-road.com/2023/08/24/soar-earth-digital-atlas-qgis-plugin/)
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Freemium
|
active
| |
instaloader
|
InstaLoader
|
https://instaloader.github.io
|
social_media
|
[
"social-media/instagram"
] |
Download pictures or videos (with metadata) from Instagram.
|
Instaloader lets you save Instagram content for documentation and analysis. It can download posts, videos, Stories, Highlights, Reels, and profile pictures. It also exports captions, timestamps, and geotags, so you keep context with the media.\
Investigators typically use it to archive profiles, collect evidence before takedowns, or retrieve posts for later review. Logged-in mode provides access to your feed, saved posts, and followed accounts, where permitted.\
You can run it from the command line or script it in Python. It supports resuming interrupted downloads and only grabs new items to keep an archive up to date.
1. **Media Downloading**:
* Downloads photos and videos from public and private Instagram profiles, hashtags, Stories, feeds, saved media, **long-form videos (formerly IGTV),** and **Reels** (`--reels` flag).
* It captures metadata, including captions, comments, geotags (such as Google Maps links), timestamps, and more.
* Allows downloading from private profiles if you follow the account or provide valid credentials.
* Offers optional parameters to limit downloads (e.g., specific sidecar slides, date ranges, post filters).
2. **Automation and Customization**:
* Automatically detects changes to the profile name and renames the target directory accordingly.
* It supports resuming downloads from previously interrupted sessions, both via the command line (JSON resume files) and via the Python API.
* Offers fine-grained control over what to download through various filters (e.g., specific date ranges, post types) and customization of directory and filename patterns.
* Can be configured for automated tasks (e.g., cron jobs) using `--quiet` mode and persistent session files.
### Key Features
1. **Targeted Content Retrieval**:
* **Profiles**: Download posts, profile pictures, tagged posts, reels, long-form videos (formerly IGTV, stories, and highlights.
* **Hashtags and Locations**: Fetch posts associated with specific hashtags or geographical locations (requires login for location-based queries).
* **User Feed and Saved Posts**: For logged-in accounts, retrieve posts from a user’s feed or saved collections.
* **Individual Posts**: Download specific posts using their unique shortcode (e.g., `instaloader -- -SHORTCODE`).
* **Followee List**: Download all profiles followed by a user using `@username` syntax (requires login).
2. **Metadata Extraction**:
* Captures detailed metadata for each post, such as captions, comments (requires login), geotags, likes count, and hashtags.
* Customizable text or JSON output for metadata, including caption and comment details.
3. **Efficient File Management**:
* Customizable directory and file naming conventions using patterns such as `{profile}`, `{date_utc}`, and `{shortcode}`.
* Options to organize content chronologically or by category for better archival workflows.
4. **Incremental Updates**:
* `--fast-update` stops downloading as soon as Instaloader sees a post that’s already present locally.
* `--latest-stamps` uses timestamps instead of local files to handle updates (so you can move or delete files without confusing Instaloader).
5. **Python Module**:
* Provides a Python API to script custom OSINT workflows, such as analyzing likes, tracking deleted posts, or filtering content by date.
6. **Automation**:
* Designed for cron jobs with options like `--quiet` mode and session persistence enable scheduled and automated downloads.
7. **Advanced Filters**:
* Python-like expressions allow precise filtering by date, hashtags, mentions, engagement metrics, and more.
8. **Error Handling**:
* Manages rate limits (HTTP 429), login errors, and download interruptions.
* Provides distinct exit codes (0 to 5) to indicate different failure or partial-success states
### How to [install](https://instaloader.github.io/installation.html) Instaloader
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Option 1: pip" %}
**Recommended one‑liner:** reliably works on Linux, macOS, WSL, and Windows (PowerShell)
```
python3 -m pip install --upgrade instaloader
```
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Option 2: pipx " %}
**For isolated environments:** [Pipx](https://app.gitbook.com/s/yDhVwWl9OPwarG1Cwar3/regions) is a tool to install and run end-user Python applications in isolated virtual environments. It's an automation layer over pip and venv specifically for Python CLI applications. That means each app gets its own virtual environment (venv) to avoid conflicts with other installed scripts while still enabling console scripts globally.
```bash
pipx install instaloader
```
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Option 3: Conda" %}
**For users of**[ **Anaconda via conda-forge**](https://github.com/pypa/pipx)**:**\
[Anaconda](https://domino.ai/data-science-dictionary/anaconda) is an open-source distribution of the Python and R languages for data science that simplifies package management and deployment by using the conda environment manager to resolve dependencies and avoid conflicts. [Conda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conda_\(package_manager\)) is the cross-platform package and environment manager included in Anaconda; it supports multiple channels for sourcing packages. “[Conda-forge](https://conda-forge.org/docs/)” is a community-driven packaging effort and GitHub organization that maintains recipes for building conda packages. Built distributions are published to anaconda.org/conda-forge and can be installed into any conda-based environment, providing an open-source alternative to the default Anaconda channel.
Just use your terminal or PowerShell, and make sure that the environment you want to install (just substitute "\" with "myenvironment", the name is up to you), this package is activated:
```bash
conda create -n
conda activate
```
```bash
conda install -c conda-forge instaloader
```
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Option 4: standalone script" %}
```bash
git clone https://github.com/instaloader/instaloader.git
cd instaloader
python setup.py install
```
**When to use this option**
* **Need the latest dev version:** grab unreleased fixes or features that aren’t on PyPI yet.
* **Plan to tweak the code:** cloning the repo puts the full source on your machine so you can patch or extend Instaloader, then reinstall instantly.
* **Audit / offline install:** You can inspect every line before it touches your system, or vendor a specific commit for reproducibility.
**What the three commands do**
1. `git clone …` downloads the Instaloader source code into a new folder.
2. `cd instaloader` moves into that folder.
3. `python -m pip install .` (or `python setup.py install`) builds and installs the package from the source you just checked out.\
\&#xNAN;_Tip: run this inside a virtual-env so it won’t clash with other Python tools._
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
### Example Use Cases: CLI
* Download & **continuously update** one public profile
```bash
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
namechk
|
Namechk
|
https://namechk.com/
|
social_media
|
[
"social-media/multiple-platforms",
"people"
] |
Namechk is a search tool that searches social media platforms and domains for usernames or website names. Entering a query returns results from more than a hundred domains and social media platforms,
|
Namechk is a search tool that searches social media platforms and domains for usernames or website names. Entering a query returns results from more than a hundred domains and social media platforms, indicating whether or not the username has been registered on that platform / with that domain. Domains or usernames that return as **red** indicate that they are registered with the associated platform, while names that return **green** indicate the username is still available on that platform.
Namechk's functions can be a helpful OSINT tool for tracking individuals (particularly those with unique usernames) across platforms, as well as for understanding the spread of an entity's domain registrations.
The tool also provides username generators and reviews and details about domain and web hosting.
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
gravatar-email-checker
|
Gravatar Email Checker
|
https://en.gravatar.com/site/check/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
Check if an email address has been used to comment on blogs and whether there is a profile image attached.
|
A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case?
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
| |
worldwide-osint-tools-map
|
Worldwide Osint Tools map
|
https://cipher387.github.io/osintmap/
|
uncategorized
|
[] |
Global overview of yellow/white pages, court cases, business registries etc.
|
\[\[ A full description of the tool, any background information needed to use it. What problem does it solve? Can you give an example use case? ]]
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
bellingcat-toolkit
|
Free
|
active
|
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