Question 1

How does AI photo geolocation work?

Accepted Answer

The model analyzes visual cues in your image — architecture, signage, vegetation, terrain, and road markings — to infer where the photo was likely taken. It returns up to five ranked location predictions with confidence scores. Coordinates are then resolved to place names using OpenStreetMap geocoding.

Question 2

What is EXIF GPS and why is it free?

Accepted Answer

Many cameras and phones embed GPS coordinates directly in a photo's EXIF metadata. whereisthis.place reads that data locally in your browser before any upload, so there is no server cost and no credit charge. If GPS is present, you see the location instantly without running AI analysis.

Question 3

Do you support HEIC photos from iPhones?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HEIC files from iPhones are converted on our server with metadata preserved when possible. If the client cannot parse EXIF locally, the server reads GPS after conversion. For best results, ensure Location Services were enabled when the photo was taken.

Question 4

Are my photos stored on your servers?

Accepted Answer

No. Uploaded images are processed in memory and discarded immediately after analysis. We do not retain originals. Logged-in users may see a small thumbnail and result JSON in search history, but the full-resolution photo is never kept.

Question 5

How accurate is AI geolocation?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy depends on how visually distinctive the scene is. Urban environments with readable signage, unique landmarks, or regional architecture tend to score highest. Rural or generic scenes are harder. We always show multiple ranked predictions so you can judge confidence rather than relying on a single guess.

Question 6

Can I use this for OSINT and journalism?

Accepted Answer

Yes — that is a core use case. The tool is designed to help verify where a photograph was taken, not to identify people. Use it responsibly for geolocation research, source verification, and investigative work. See our Acceptable Use Policy for boundaries.

Question 7

Is there a free tier?

Accepted Answer

EXIF GPS extraction is always free with no account required. New accounts receive one free AI search credit on signup. Additional searches use wallet credits or a Pro subscription. You only pay when you run AI analysis — never for metadata already in the file.

Question 8

Which image formats are supported?

Accepted Answer

JPG, JPEG, PNG, WebP, and HEIC are supported for upload. EXIF extraction works when the file contains embedded metadata; stripped or edited images may lack GPS even if the original had it. Screenshots and social-media re-uploads often have metadata removed.

Question 9

How is this different from Google reverse image search?

Accepted Answer

Google finds visually similar pages on the web — useful when the exact photo already exists online. whereisthis.place estimates geographic location from scene content alone, even for novel photos never published before. The two approaches complement each other rather than replace one another.

Question 10

What happens to EXIF data during AI analysis?

Accepted Answer

EXIF is parsed in your browser first. If you proceed with AI analysis, coordinate hints from EXIF may be sent alongside the image to improve results — but only if you choose to analyze. We do not silently harvest metadata from files you only preview.

Question 11

Can the tool locate photos of people or faces?

Accepted Answer

No. The product is built for places, not people. We do not perform facial recognition or identity lookup. Acceptable use focuses on geolocating scenes — landscapes, buildings, streets — for research and verification, not tracking individuals.

Question 12

Why might EXIF GPS be missing from my photo?

Accepted Answer

Location tagging may be disabled in camera settings, stripped by messaging apps, removed by social platforms on upload, or lost during editing. Some privacy tools intentionally delete EXIF. If GPS is absent, AI geolocation remains available as a separate path.