# Geolocation

> Systematic visual geolocation reasoning from images. [VAD] Analyzes photos, street views, or satellite imagery to determine location. Uses visual clue extraction, hypothesis formation, and web verification. [NÄR] Use when: geolocate, identify location, where is this, find this place, geographic analysis, location from image, OSINT geolocation [EXPERTISE] Visual analysis, geographic indicators, verification strategies

- Skill: `carlheath/geolocation` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 5 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add carlheath/geolocation`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/carlheath/geolocation/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: carlheath (https://skillmd.com/u/carlheath)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/carlheath/geolocation

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# Geolocation Reasoning

**Method:** Iterative reasoning loop (max 5 iterations)
**Inspiration:** GeoVista research framework

## Core Workflow

### 1. Visual Clue Extraction

| Category | Look for |
|----------|----------|
| **Text/Signage** | Languages, scripts, street signs, license plates, phone formats |
| **Infrastructure** | Road markings, traffic lights, poles, utilities, bollards |
| **Architecture** | Materials, styles, roof types, density patterns |
| **Nature** | Vegetation, terrain, geology, sun position, weather |
| **Culture** | Vehicles, driving side, clothing, shops, brands |

### 2. Hypothesis Formation

Form hypotheses at multiple scales:

| Scale | Example |
|-------|---------|
| Continent/Region | Europe, Southeast Asia |
| Country | Specific nation |
| Region/State | Sub-national |
| City/Town | Locality |
| Precise | Street-level |

For each: Note supporting evidence, confidence (H/M/L), conflicts.

### 3. Image Examination

When details unclear:
- Crop regions of interest
- Enhance text/signage
- Isolate architectural details

### 4. Web Search Verification

| Strategy | Query pattern |
|----------|---------------|
| Sign text | `"[exact text]" location` |
| Features | `[feature] [suspected region]` |
| Business | `"[name]" address` |
| Landmark | `[description] landmark [region]` |
| Road | `[designation] [country]` |

Cross-reference multiple clues, look for consistent attribution.

### 5. Iterative Refinement

After each cycle:
1. Update hypothesis confidence
2. Identify remaining uncertainties
3. Determine if more examination helps
4. Continue until confident or limit reached

## Output Format

```
**Location Analysis**

Observed Clues:
- [Key observations with confidence]

Reasoning Process:
- [Hypothesis formation and verification]

**Conclusion**
- Most likely location: [As specific as evidence allows]
- Confidence: High/Medium/Low
- Key evidence: [Primary determinants]
- Uncertainties: [What remains unclear]
```

## Important Considerations

| Aspect | Guideline |
|--------|-----------|
| Confidence | High requires multiple independent confirmations |
| Single clues | Can mislead (similar signage in multiple countries) |
| Privacy | Don't identify individuals or residential addresses |
| Iteration | Max 5 cycles, stop when marginal value low |

## References

- `references/visual-clues.md` — Clue categories
- `references/regional-signatures.md` — Region-specific indicators
- `references/verification-strategies.md` — Search patterns

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🎯 COMPLETED: [SKILL:geolocation] [location identified from image]
🗣️ CUSTOM COMPLETED: [SKILL:geolocation] [Location found]