Erik Marsja: How to Extract GPS Coordinates from a Photo: The USAID Mystery

In today's digital world, photos can store hidden data, including geolocation information. If a device's GPS is enabled, it can reveal the exact location where a photo was taken. This post shows how to extract geolocation data from an image using Python. The process involves setting up a Python environment, extracting EXIF data, extracting GPS coordinates, and plotting the location on a map. The necessary libraries are Pillow, ExifRead, and Folium. The EXIF data is extracted using the exifread library, and the GPS coordinates are pulled out from the EXIF data. The coordinates are then plotted on an interactive map using Folium. The post uses a photo of a USAID nutrition pack as an example and raises the question of whether the pack should be in the extracted location. The reader is encouraged to explore the location on the map and think critically about whether the aid should be distributed in that area. The post concludes by asking readers to share their thoughts on the matter and to share the post on social media to spark a conversation.