geotagger

Geotagger is a mechanism or tool that attaches geographic coordinates to digital content, typically images, videos, audio, or documents, by embedding geolocation metadata (geotags) into the file or into an associated sidecar. The coordinates usually include latitude and longitude and may include altitude, timestamp, and accuracy.

Geotagging can be automatic when devices have built-in GPS or location sensors, or inferred from network data such as Wi-Fi or cell towers. Location information is stored in metadata standards such as EXIF for images, or XMP and IPTC, and can reside inside the file or in separate sidecar files. Users can also tag locations manually when the device or software supports it.

Applications include organizing media by place, creating map-based galleries, and supporting geospatial analyses in journalism, archaeology, travel logging, and environmental monitoring. Geotagging enables location-based search, mapping, and context-aware storytelling.

Privacy and data handling: geotags can reveal where a person has been or sensitive facilities. Users can disable geotagging, remove metadata before sharing, or restrict access. Many platforms provide controls to limit or strip location data during upload or sharing.