Visual Forensics

Shadow / Sun-Angle Geolocation

This is the real technique behind "geolocating a photo from the sky" — used by Bellingcat, NYT Visual Investigations, and similar teams. From the sun's elevation angle (shadow length vs. object height) and its compass azimuth (shadow direction) at a known capture time, you can solve for the camera's latitude and a longitude estimate.

Inputs

Capture date (UTC)

Capture time (UTC, 24h)

Object height (any unit)

Shadow length (same unit)

Shadow azimuth (° from North, clockwise — compass direction the shadow points)

How to measure azimuth from a photo

Find a vertical object (sign post, person, building corner) and measure its height vs. its shadow length in the image, scaled by any known reference dimension in frame.
The shadow points away from the sun. Determine the shadow's compass bearing using landmarks, street layout (check against a map), or a visible compass/GPS overlay.
The sun's azimuth (direction to the sun) is the shadow azimuth + 180°, which is what this tool uses internally.
Accuracy improves a lot if you have an approximate region already (e.g. from EXIF, language on signage, vehicle plates, vegetation) — use this tool to confirm or narrow, not as a sole source.