> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/hacking-tools/osint/osint-methodology/metadata-osint.md).

# Metadata OSINT

Metadata analysis techniques for extracting EXIF data, geolocation, document properties, and image traces during OSINT investigations.

Metadata analysis extracts hidden information from files and images, including EXIF data, geolocation, usernames, software versions, timestamps, and document properties.

## Locating photographs by metadata:

{% hint style="info" %}
Metadata tooling is centralized in [Image and Video Analysis](/hacking-tools/osint/image-and-video-analysis.md). Use this page for the investigation workflow and the Hacking Tools hub for the maintained tool catalog.
{% endhint %}

To analyze an image file, use the following command:

```bash
exiftool <File>
```

If the photo contains geolocation information, the results will display fields like:

* **GPS Latitude :** Latitude
* **GPS Longitude :** Longitude
* **GPS Altitude :** Altitude

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-666ecfeb2f767da13db3812375398d60ef5205f2%2Fimage%20(1090).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

With these coordinates, it is possible to identify the exact location where the photo was taken by entering them into platforms like Google Maps.

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8f3965c80b3fcb3860525e73f7209fc83a4eb559%2Fimage%20(1091).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Information via images:

{% hint style="info" %}
Images can also be used to perform reverse searches and obtain additional information, such as their origin or where they were published. These tools are useful for surveys and analyses.
{% endhint %}

Reverse image search can help identify where an image was first published, whether it appears in other contexts, and whether similar versions exist. The maintained list of reverse image search and visual verification tools is available in [Image and Video Analysis](/hacking-tools/osint/image-and-video-analysis.md).

## Image and face research tools

{% hint style="info" %}
Reverse image search, image forensics, metadata review, and face-comparison tools are centralized in [Image and Video Analysis](/hacking-tools/osint/image-and-video-analysis.md).
{% endhint %}


---

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