Thanks to the Internet, news can be received in real-time from anywhere in the world. However, journalists canโt always travel to remote locations. When something eventful occurs, they can always contact their sources on the ground for more information. While social media may be instrumental in such moments, it isnโt always easy to spot where sources are coming from. In this context, digital technologies play a vital role.
Tools of the Trade
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In the age of information, journalists need more than professional writing skills to excel in their niche; they must be familiar with digital technologies. For instance, top-notch batch geocoding services like egon.com can convert a huge list of place names into GPS addresses.
Geocoding services also provide bulk address validation to fact-check locations cited by sources, weeding out incorrect information. Still, itโs not enough to determine the authenticity of information.ย After all, sources can always falsely claim that their footage is from a place it actually isnโt. How do journalists determine the authenticity and exact location of that footage?
Geocoding
Indeed, itโs a very helpful tool to find stories and new sources nearby.ย These tools can be trained to pick up local subtleties, such as places that are usually referred to by nicknames and slang instead of official names. Such differences can severely impact the effectiveness of the geocoding service, eventually misleading journalists.
Additionally, statistical analyses can be run on that data, and inconsistency control systems can be applied. The combination of social media and geolocating services helps journalists fact-check their sources and collect more accurate information about relevant events and their whereabouts.
Mapping Tools
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There are many mapping tools that journalists can use to enhance their performances. Some of them are free, like My Maps, which is powered by Google Maps. It allows users to create their own maps based on imported datasets and GPS coordinates. Itโs not a highly customisable tool, but itโs very user-friendly. So, itโs an excellent way to start map editing for those who are still unfamiliar with the technology.
There are also apps for converting different map formats and for comparing and analysing maps. While some applications are quite user-friendly, such as My Maps, others require programming skills to craft extremely complex maps that factor in a wide variety of information. Javascript-based programs work well with multiple libraries, allowing for unparalleled mapping customisation.
Satellite Imagery
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Journalists can use satellite imagery to prove or disprove claims related to any footage. For instance, if thereโs a video of a killing in a remote location, satellite images provide information like the positioning of trees, mountain ranges, and buildings. More importantly, such images inform the dates on which they were taken.
It allows professionals to cross-reference with images of the same place but at different moments, comparing the presence and positioning of landmarks. Google Earth is the most common tool for this purpose, as it updates its images every five days. Better still, itโs a free tool that provides high-definition images, showing even placards on the walls.
Reverse Image
Reverse image technology helps journalists assess an image’s authenticity. For instance, itโs possible to determine whether a specific image has been used in different contexts or altered in any way. Itโs a vital tool for ensuring professionals theyโll report accurate information and wonโt fall for false claims. After all, any smartphone has a photo editing app these days, and itโs improving very fast. The rise of generative AI makes the situation even more challenging for journalists.
These tools work a bit like Google but for images. Thatโs how a journalist can tell if an image is from where the source says it is. Misinformation is everywhere these days: images of protests or police brutality can be falsely claimed to be from a completely different country. Reverse image tools can check out whether thatโs the case in a blink of an eye.
Cross-Referencing Social Media Sources
Social media users can be great contributors to journalism. When an event like a riot occurs, people on the ground can provide vital information that traditional media coverage would miss. However, the footage from such events tends to be shaky and messy. Some tools can cross-reference live-streaming videos of the same event. However, journalists must also be aware of self-incriminating footage.
They allow for the exact positioning of rioters, police forces, and other relevant information. Tech-savvy professionals harvest live footage from platforms like Instagram and Facebook, tagging each one with time stamps so they can create a timeline of the event. This information can also be cross-referenced with satellite images on the day of the event.
Solar Position Calculators
Itโs possible to determine the time of the year the footage was recorded. Systems like NOAA Sunrise/Sunset and other solar position calculators show the size and direction of shadows at different seasons and times. After careful examination, itโs possible to know if the footage is recent or from months, maybe years ago.
Indeed, estimates can be quite approximated, narrowing the timeframe in which an event occurred in 15 days. Itโs a bit like playing spot the differences but on much more serious issues. The direction of a shadow can simply transform the narrative about the event, bringing facts to life.
Final Thoughts
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Digital technologies have revolutionised the professional world, and journalism isnโt immune to them. Highly efficient fact-checking technologies to prevent fake news from spreading are becoming increasingly necessary. Since most of the information circulating comes from digital sources, a tech-driven approach is required. Unfortunately, people like Sherlock Holmes only exist in fiction.
Itโs nearly impossible to detect the subtitles of shadows and ridgelines on the naked eye. Thanks to satellite imagery, GPS, and programs that track the direction of sunlight around the world all over the year, itโs possible to call out on false claims. The old notebooks and paper maps have been replaced by geocoding services, which are perfect for journalists who are always on the move, managing multiple points of interest and sources.
