TRACKING YOUR SEARCH: A GUIDE TO THE GRID GENERATOR
OPEN SOURCE investigations often involve analyzing vast areas of satellite imagery. The new Search Grid Generator aims to simplify such tasks by overlaying a simple grid, turning your search into manageable sections. It helps to eliminate the risk of duplication, preventing redundant searches of the same location. It also enables teams to divide up the work, assigning each member to specific squares.
GENERATING YOUR GRID
To generate your search grid, go to the Search Grid Generator website.
In the interface, you can either add your coordinates or drag the corners of the in-built map over your location. Confirm your grid size, which defaults to one sq km. Click download to produce a KML file, which you can then import into Google Earth, or your GIS tool of choice.
Google Earth Web offers a particularly user-friendly interface for working with these grid overlays. But for larger projects or if grid-based searches are a significant part of your workflow, you might want to consider a GIS system like QGIS.
To import your download into Google Earth Web, in the left-hand sidebar click ‘Projects’ > ‘New project,’ then select ‘Local KML file’ to upload from your computer.
Google Earth Web’s interface makes it straightforward to toggle grid visibility, fill squares with different colours, and add placemarks as labels. You can also export your grid, including all markups, as a KML file to share with collaborators, as well as importing other KML files to enrich your search with data.
USING THE GRID GENERATOR
Launched by the tech team at the end of last month, the Search Grid Generator was built in collaboration with the Discord volunteer community. It’s simple to use and requires no installation, coding, or understanding of complex GIS software.
Released at the end of July, the Search Grid Generator is already being used by community volunteers to geolocate possible incidents of civilian harm inside Ukraine. Online posts, such as videos of missile attacks or photos of destruction in civilian areas, are at first archived. The tool is then used to divide up potential search areas and to pinpoint a location within 150 meters of where incidents took place.
Developed by the tech team, in collaboration with the Discord volunteer community and Project Owl contributors, the Search Grid Generator exemplifies how community engagement shapes resources.
ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION
The Search Grid Generator is a valuable tool in the realm of open-source investigations. Its simplicity and ease of use make it accessible to a wide range of users, from experienced analysts to volunteers without a tech background. Community engagement proves to be a driving force behind the development of such tools, allowing for more efficient and effective investigations.
If you are working on a project that involves analyzing vast amounts of satellite imagery or geolocating specific incidents, consider using the Search Grid Generator to streamline the process. The tool’s ability to divide up search areas, assign tasks to team members, and pinpoint locations with precision can significantly enhance the outcome of your investigation.
Remember, collaboration is key in the world of open-source investigations. By leveraging the expertise and skills of a diverse community, you can uncover valuable insights and contribute to important research initiatives.
GETTING STARTED
To get started with the Search Grid Generator, visit the official website and explore the user-friendly interface. Input your coordinates or highlight your location on the map to generate a grid overlay. Customize the grid size and color scheme to suit your preferences. Import and export KML files to share data with collaborators and enrich your search with additional information.
By incorporating the Search Grid Generator into your investigative workflow, you can track your search more effectively and efficiently. The tool’s innovative features and collaborative capabilities make it a valuable asset for any open-source investigation project.
