Visual Forensics: A practitioner's perspective

Visual Forensics: A practitioner's perspective on tradecraft and OSINT investigations

Visual forensic analysis of satellite imagery and UAV footage has become a regular feature in investigative journalism, OSINT research and think tank reporting. The method’s growing popularity can be attributed to its unique capacity to support two interlinked processes: truth-seeking and storytelling. Through satellite and aerial imagery, we can verify incidents, establish chronologies and attribute actions to individuals or entities. Moreover, interactive diagrams and annotated images help to convey complex spatio-temporal data to generalist audiences. But what do we mean by ‘visual forensics’ and how is it done in practice? This talk explores the methodological basis of this evolving field of research: its strengths, limitations and thoughts on the need for a standardisation of approach.

William Goodhind is a forensic imagery analyst, specialising in armed conflict and military affairs. His expert opinion and analysis of satellite imagery on Gaza, Syria, Russia and other countries has appeared in The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and Euronews. William previously worked as a Monitoring Officer and Imagery Analyst with the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine between 2015-17 and 2020-22, having spent more than three years in the field in Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts. He is a University College London graduate and publishes imagery analysis on his website, Contested Ground.