Bellingcat OpenStreetMap Search
Operator: Stichting Bellingcat, Netherlands
Finds possible locations using combinations of OpenStreetMap features and their spatial proximity.
Image, Video & Geo
Bellingcat logs search queries and checks use of the hosted service for compliance with its usage rules.
Product
Availability and source date
As of: 25 October 2026.
No functionality test has been performed.
Use in OSINT research
Narrows down locations through combinations of map features and their distances. Custom OSM tags and a geographical boundary support geolocation.
Queries
| Input | Result | Result type |
|---|---|---|
| Keyword / free text + Coordinates | Map features and possible locations matching the selected OpenStreetMap characteristics and distances. | Retrieved |
Features
- Combines OpenStreetMap features with spatial distances.
- Processes custom OSM tags in key=value format.
- Restricts queries to a map area.
- Exports matches as CSV or KML.
Categories
- Image, Video & Geo
- Geolocation
- Maps & satellite imagery
Coverage
Dataset
Access
Installation and deployment
Self-hosting with a Python API, Vue interface, PostgreSQL and osm2pgsql. Firebase access and a Mapbox token for the interface; according to the repository, a full planet installation requires around 700 GB.
Requirements
Export
Provider
Country of establishment
Interfaces
API
MCP
AI agents
Maintenance
Licence
Latest activity
Stars
Usage note
Legal note
Limitations
- The hosted service prohibits use by law enforcement, intelligence services and the military, including private contractors.
- The current OSM data update date for the hosted instance is not specified on the captured pages.
Guides and practical reports
Official · Bellingcat: geolocation with OpenStreetMap Search
Bellingcat · 05/2023 · EN
Explains features, distances, map areas and exports.