GPS info Embedded into Mobile Phone photos

[Patti Edens]

I recently got an e-mail warning about the danger of revealing GPS data in mobile phone photos being posted on websites such as Facebook or others. It shows someone taking a photo of his/her kid at home. The photo had GPS data embedded and when posted on Facebook, anyone that wanted to could see where they live.

I know my "real" cameras don't have GPS capability, but a friend's Blackberry 9000 does. However, even when GPS is enabled on the Blackberry and I take a photo, I can't see any GPS data embedded in the photo either in Photoshop or using KUSO or Opanda EXIF viewers. I can't see GPS data in any of my Facebook friends' mobile phone photos either.

I've done a few searches on-line and will keep searching, but I thought maybe some of you might already have researched this so, I have a couple of questions for those in the know.

1. Does anyone have a GPS enabled phone or smart-phone that embeds GPS data in the photos. If yes, would you post one in this thread so I can see if my EXIF viewer will pick it up.

2. Does anyone know how to embed GPS data into photos taken by a GPS enabled Blackberry? Or probably more importantly, how to make sure the info is not embedded?

[venchka]

My BlackBerry does that. When I open the photos in Lightroom, there is an entry in the EXIF data for location. On a computer connected to the internet, if I click the entry Google maps opens & shows me where the photo was taken. I actually like the feature to keep track of where I was with my other cameras. However, it's easy to find places without cell phone coverage. In that case, no GPS data.
I wonder if that information is carried over after exporting from Lightroom? I'll check the next time I'm home.
You can turn it off in camera. Geotagging ON or OFF.

[Rson]

Long story short....if i want to find out where you live i wouldn't use you phone and it wouldn't be hard. The emails are always full of wrong information

[venchka]

I can't get a fix in the building. I hope it's not broken.

[mdurisseau]

If you use Facebook, you know that none of the EXIF information (including geotags) is kept. Facebook strips it all, at least in photos uploaded from a computer... Test it for yourself...

[Patti Edens]

Thanks Wayne. I'll ask my friend to look for a GeoTagging setting in his BBerry.

Rich, Believe me, I know how easy it is. I find people all the time. I am mainly researching this for work.

We are in a business where we need TWICs (Transportation Worker Identification Cards) to even get in the gate at many of our locations. We can get hot work permits to take photos inside the gates, but I just want to make sure we are not sending out photos that identify the exact location of the sites. This might be something we need to add to the permit.

Although, I can also see a use for this when I find a great spot for taking bird photos or something. I might want to snap one with my Bberry just to remember where I was. I don't want to go to the trouble of getting the GeoCache capability for my Canon cams, but I'm all for it if it's as easy as snapping a BBerry photo.

[KdLaneJr]

Originally Posted by Rson

Long story short....if i want to find out where you live i wouldn't use you phone and it wouldn't be hard.

I'm sure steelsun would agree with you

Originally Posted by Rson

The emails are always full of wrong information

While emails proclaiming FUD abound out there, this is has been reported on before and is accurate. Whether or not it presents a concern is something that should be evaluated by folks taking pics with smart phones or other gps capable imaging devices.

It's not always the data attached or not attached to one photo that can potentially get people in trouble.

a few weeks or so ago, there was a blog discussing this. If I recall correctly it also had a video attached. The premise here is that folks are sharing too much data and not aware of what they are sharing. In this case, photos of fun, family and possessions taken inside the home were relatively anonymous until the individual took a photo of their personal vehicle in front of the home. That image not only carried accurate location data in the exif, but it also contained the homes across the street in the background.

Putting it all together the author noted that he'd have to rethink his photography posts because 1) He's a frequent traveler. 2) He blogs about technology and photographer so theres a short laundry list posted here and there online of what may be available in his home.

IIRC, one of his more tech knowledgeable friends pointed this out to him, but it doesn't change the fact that information and data collection are rampant and most people aren't even aware of what is being collected.

Sooo, if you posted a photo of that new 65" widescreen panel HD TV you bought to watch this years superbowl, shared an image of your new "ride" parked in front of your home and six months later are posting photos while on vacation to timbucktwo, you may come home and find neither are where you expect them to be.

It could all be paranoia by the paranoid, or it could be info you should read and heed.

The choice is yours.

[thumper]

Patti,

iPhone 3GS and 4 embed GPS coordinates into the EXIF data. Not sure about B-Berry.
Here is an example, as viewed in "Photo Mechanic" software:



I use my iPhone's GPS data to record scouting/photo locations, since my Canons do not record GPS.

People, especially kids and teenagers, need to be careful though, how they share/post their smart phone photos, as you can see.

** image also just posted in General gallery, in case embedded link breaks, titled GPS Exif from iPhone".

T. Sandlin
Victoria, TX
Pro Media Images

[Patti Edens]

Originally Posted by KdLaneJr

...
a few weeks or so ago, there was a blog discussing this. If I recall correctly it also had a video attached. ...

Thanks Ken. The video that I got is here.

[Patti Edens]

Originally Posted by thumper

Patti,

iPhone 3GS and 4 embed GPS coordinates into the EXIF data. Not sure about B-Berry.
Here is an example, as viewed in "Photo Mechanic" software:



I use my iPhone's GPS data to record scouting/photo locations, since my Canons do not record GPS.

People, especially kids and teenagers, need to be careful though, how they share/post their smart phone photos, as you can see.

** image also just posted in General gallery, in case embedded link breaks, titled GPS Exif from iPhone".

T. Sandlin
Victoria, TX
Pro Media Images

Thanks Thumper. I can't see the image, but found it in the gallery...

[Rson]

My andriod doesn't embed, it also has a GPS on Signal indicator when GPS is on.

[KdLaneJr]

Originally Posted by Patti Edens

Thanks Ken. The video that I got is here.

The tech email I received only covered Adam Savage (the short bit at the beginning of that news) clip, but even though it was entirely about him and included him discussing how it could affect him, it was quite interesting.

[Patti Edens]

I'm finding more and more info on this.

I just found out my BBerry (8900) has GPS capability. Cripes, I can't believe I didn't know that. I found where to turn it on and refresh the GPS, but it can't find a satellite since I'm in an ivory tower downtown. It won't even pick it up when sitting right by my window.

I also found where you can turn on (or off) GeoTracking which allows embedding the GPS info in the photo metadata (not sure where yet, but it embeds).

Holy mackerel. I really should read up on the equipment I use every day.

I took a shot with GeoTracking on, but there is nothing in the GPS section of Opanda. Maybe because the GPS can't pick up my location or maybe I need special software to find it. I'll try to snap one at lunchtime when it has a location found.

p

[KdLaneJr]

Here is a article with more info that might be helpful in your endeavor.

[venchka]

Patti,
Do ya'll have TWIC card readers? They seem to be scarce. We went to a lot of trouble and major expense to get them. Haven't used mine yet. Passports still work. Always have.

PS: As for giving out info online, Dummies like me are forever talking about vacation plans online. DUH! Not to mention posting photos of home complete with house numbers. Double DUH!