How to Analyse Images using OSINT

Certified, professional ethical hackers with a passion for cyber security—driven to exceed expectations and deliver real results.

Open-source intelligence (OSINT) is the practice of collecting and analysing information that’s freely available to the public, from websites and social media to photographs, public records and the small visual details hidden inside everyday images.

Because OSINT relies solely on publicly accessible data, the skill comes from knowing how to spot patterns, connect clues and use open tools creatively to uncover real-world locations.

As part of our recent OSINT Challenge, participants put these principles into practice by analysing a series of images and identifying subtle visual hints to pinpoint four locations in London.

In this blog, we show how each clue could have been solved, highlighting the techniques, search methods and investigative thinking behind each step. These are the approaches we used and others may have followed different, equally valid paths to reach the same answers. This is exactly why OSINT is so creative and versatile. And please note that as this post may be read long after the challenge has ended, some sources or links referenced here may have changed or no longer be available.

Clue 1: On a peaceful crescent linked to a mind that helped shape modern computing

Summary: This clue focuses on identifying a blue plaque and using historical references to confirm the location.

Step 1: Zoom in and identify the key detail

Start by zooming into the original image to look for standout details. Behind the tree, you’ll spot a blue plaque with the name Alan Turing on.

Step 2: Search for the plaque online

A simple Google search of “Alan Turing blue plaque London” returns the English Heritage page dedicated to his plaque – https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/alan-turing/

This page provides:

– an image of the plaque

– the listed address

– surrounding context

Step 3: Confirm the exact location using the listed address

Comparing this with the challenge image confirms the match (even if the trees have grown since).

Step 4: Google Maps Verification

It’s always good practice to double-check your findings. Search for 2 Warrington Crescent on Google Maps and use Street View to compare the building façade, balcony layout, flags, and plaque placement with the original image to confirm it’s a match.

Final Location:

Alan Turing Blue Plaque

2 Warrington Crescent, Maida Vale, London, W9 1ER

Street view of the building with flags, columns and trees in the foreground.

1. Exterior of a building with flags, trees and a balcony

Close-up of Alan Turing’s blue plaque on Warrington Crescent, partially obscured by tree branches.

2. Alan Turing plaque up close, hidden behind trees

Google search results page displaying the Alan Turing blue plaque with map location, photos and English Heritage link.

3. Google results identifying the location of Alan Turing’s blue plaque

Screenshot of the English Heritage webpage for Alan Turing’s blue plaque, showing the plaque and the exterior of the building.

4. English Heritage listing for Alan Turing blue plaque

Street View of 2 Warrington Crescent in Maida Vale showing the cream-coloured building with two Union Jack flags and Alan Turing’s blue plaque on the façade.

5. Google Maps Street View – Alan Turing Blue Plaque, 2 Warrington Crescent

Clue 2: The kind of shop where you might pick up a great B-side

Summary: This clue uses an event poster to trace back to a music venue, then a nearby record shop.

Step 1: Identify the key visual clue

Zooming into the image reveals part of a gig poster showing “@100 CLUB”.

Step 2: Look up the venue online

A Google search of “100 Club London” brings up the venue’s official website: https://www.the100club.co.uk/

Click the “Events” section in the website’s main navigation header: https://www.the100club.co.uk/100club-events/

Scroll through the event listings until you find the event poster that matches the snippet in the original challenge image and click on it: https://www.the100club.co.uk/clubevents/molotov-outstore-feb-26/

That same poster references Sister Ray, a well-known London record shop.

Step 3: Follow the link to the referenced record shop

Through a Google search of “Sister Ray London” you’ll find its website and Google Business Profile which includes the address: https://sisterray.co.uk/

If you want to be sure, compare Google Images of the storefront to the original challenge photo.

Step 4: Google Maps Verification

To be confident in the result, check 75 Berwick Street on Google Maps. Use Street View to compare the Sister Ray storefront and window layout with the original image to make sure everything aligns.

Final Location:

Sister Ray

75 Berwick Street, London, W1F 8TG

Storefront window display filled with rows of vinyl records from various artists.

1. Store with Vinyl Display

Snippet of a gig poster at 100 club venue

2. Snippet of poster showing the venue 100 Club

Google search results page for “100 Club,” showing photos of the venue, its location on Oxford Street and the venue’s description and ratings.

3. Google Search Results for 100 Club London

Screenshot of the 100 Club website header with navigation menu highlighting the Events section.

4. 100 Club Website Header Navigation

Screenshot of The Molotovs Outstore event listing showing date, time, ticket price and promotional poster at the bottom.

5. 100 Club Event Listing Website View – The Molotovs Outstore

100 Club event page announcing The Molotovs Outstore performance with date, time and promotional image.

6. 100 Club Event Page – The Molotovs Outstore by Sister Ray

Google search results page for Sister Ray Records showing store information, reviews, photos and address on Berwick Street.

7. Google Search Results for Sister Ray London

A collection of Google image results showing various exterior and interior photos of the Sister Ray record store in Soho.

8. Google Image Results – Sister Ray Storefront

Street View of 75 Berwick Street, Soho, displaying the Sister Ray record shop frontage and neighbouring Bupa Dental Care building.

9. Google Maps Street View – Sister Ray Records, 75 Berwick Street London

Clue 3: Today’s exclusive scoop: a pint of cutlery

Summary: This clue uses reverse image search on multiple elements to identify a specific pub.

Step 1: Identify the clear standout element

The magazine on the table is highly recognisable and provides a strong starting point.

Step 2: Use reverse image search to identify the magazine

The reverse image search technique allows you to upload an image so a search engine can find visually similar matches online, helping identify objects, logos, products or publications when no text is available.

Screenshot the magazine portion.
Upload it using Google Lens (the camera icon in the Google search bar)
Review the matches.

Google identifies it as Wetherspoon News which implies the photo was taken inside a Wetherspoon pub: https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/wetherspoon-news-magazine/

Step 3: Use a second reverse image search to pinpoint the exact pub

Next, isolate the carpet pattern as it’s a surprisingly distinctive feature and every Wetherspoons pub has its own unique carpet.

A reverse image search (with “Wetherspoons” added as context) returns two strong matches:

– A listing on Wetherspoons Carpets, a site cataloguing their unique carpet designs: https://www.wetherspoonscarpets.co.uk/details.asp?ID=73&The%20Willow%20Walk

– A matching photo on Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wetherspoons_carpets-_Willow_Walk,_Victoria.jpg

Both confirm the same location: The Willow Walk.

Step 4: Google Maps Verification

For an extra layer of confirmation, look up The Willow Walk on Google Maps. However, for indoor locations Street View won’t help so Google Maps’ “Vibe” tab and user-uploaded photos are ideal here. Search for The Willow Walk and browse the interior images to compare key details such as the carpet pattern, furniture style, wall art and bar layout. These visual matches confirm that the image was taken inside The Willow Walk pub.

Final Location:

The Willow Walk Wetherspoons

25 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LW

Close-up of a pub table with a magazine, chair leg and the pub’s distinctive patterned carpet visible.

1. Patterned Carpet and Magazine

Screenshot of the Google homepage displaying the main search bar on a dark background.

2. Google Homepage Search Bar

Screenshot of the Google Lens interface prompting the user to drag an image or upload a file for visual search.

3. Google Lens Upload Interface

Google Lens analysing an image showing the magazine.

4. Google Lens Scan of Magazine

Google visual match result showing the Wetherspoon News magazine cover with a red header.

5. Google Visual Match Wetherspoon News Cover

Screenshot of the Wetherspoons website displaying several editions of Wetherspoon News in a grid layout.

6. Wetherspoon News Magazine Webpage

Google Lens results after searching “wetherspoons,” showing the scanned carpet and related visual matches.

7. Google Lens Search for Wetherspoons Carpet

Image results from Google showing photos of patterned carpets commonly found in Wetherspoons pubs.

8. Google Search Results for Wetherspoons Carpets

Screenshot of the Wetherspoons Carpets website displaying the entry for The Willow Walk pub.

9. Wetherspoons Carpets Website – The Willow Walk Page

Close-up photograph of the patterned carpet at The Willow Walk Wetherspoons pub in London.

10. The Willow Walk Pub Carpet Close-Up

Screenshot of a Wikimedia Commons page displaying a photo of the patterned carpet from The Willow Walk Wetherspoons pub.

11. Wikimedia Page for Wetherspoons Willow Walk Carpet

Interior view of The Willow Walk pub in Victoria from Google Maps’ “Vibe” tab, showing seating area, patterned carpet and bar layout.

12. Google Maps Interior – The Willow Walk JD Wetherspoon Pub (Vibe View)

Alternative method:

Once you know it’s a Wetherspoons, whether you did the steps above or guessed the clue:

1. Google search “Wetherspoon Carpets” and click on the site: https://www.wetherspoonscarpets.co.uk/

2. Click “View Carpets” in the main navigation bar: https://www.wetherspoonscarpets.co.uk/carpets.asp

3. Either scroll or (quicker) press Ctrl + F (Windows) or Cmd + F (Mac)

4. Type the word/phrase you want to locate, so in this case “London”

5. Use the arrows or Enter button to jump between results which in this case is 2 results

6. Look for the matching carpet image

7. Click on “The Willow Walk, London” to open its page and confirm the location: https://www.wetherspoonscarpets.co.uk/details.asp?ID=73&The%20Willow%20Walk

Google search results for “wetherspoons carpets,” showing a website snippet describing Wetherspoons’ individually designed carpets.

1. Google Search Results for Wetherspoons Carpets

Homepage of the Wetherspoons Carpets website showing an exterior pub photo with large red text reading “Wetherspoon’s Carpets.”

2. Wetherspoons Carpets Website Homepage

Screenshot of the Wetherspoons Carpets directory page showing various pub carpet thumbnails, including The Willow Walk in London.

3. Wetherspoons Carpets Listings Showing Willow Walk London

Close-up photograph of The Willow Walk’s distinctive patterned carpet with red borders and geometric designs.

4. The Willow Walk Carpet Pattern Close-Up

Clue 4: The 1st Edition

Summary: This clue uses signage, a parking code, and an estate agent board to triangulate the exact address.

Step 1: Identify the key visual clues

Zooming into the image reveals:

– a parking sign with code 61075

– a For Rent sign for Forest Real Estate

– an Islington Council Lamppost Sticker

Step 2: Search the parking code online

A Google search “london parking code 61075” leads straight to the parking locator page: https://www.myringgo.co.uk/islington/parkinglocator/61075

This page provides the street name Goswell Road, in the Borough of Islington – also aligning with the lamppost sticker seen in the challenge image.

Step 3: Use the estate agent sign to narrow down the exact address

Search for “Forest Real Estate London” in your search engine and click on their website: https://www.forestrealestate.co.uk/

Go to their Properties section in the main navigation bar: https://www.forestrealestate.co.uk/properties/

Click on either their Offices or Retail & Leisure pages as we can tell it will be one of those two from the challenge image.

We know that the road name is Goswell Road from Step 2 so enter this into the search section. Two listings will appear: website

Step 4: Compare the images from both listings

88 Goswell Road: https://www.forestrealestate.co.uk/property/88-goswell-road-london/→ The frontage does not match the challenge image.
116–120 Goswell Road: https://www.forestrealestate.co.uk/property/116-120-goswell-road-clerkenwell/→ The frontage matches perfectly, confirming the location.

Step 5: Find the postal code

A quick postcode search confirms the full address.

Step 6: Google Maps Verification

It’s always good to double check the location, so, search for 116–120 Goswell Road on Google Maps. Street View allows you to match the building frontage, nearby signs and surrounding structures to the original image.

Final Location:

116–120 Goswell Road, Clerkenwell, EC1V 7DP

Street-level photo of a with a parking sign and a Forest Real Estate For Rent sign attached to a lamppost.

1. Parking Sign and Commercial Building

Close-up photo of a London parking sign showing operating hours, permit zone IS-A, RingGo payment number, and location code 61075.

2. London Parking Sign with Code 61075

Google search results page for “London parking code 61075,” showing RingGo listing identifying the location as Goswell Road in Islington.

3. Search Results for Parking Code 61075 – Goswell Road Islington

RingGo webpage displaying location code 61075 for Goswell Road, CPZ A, in the London Borough of Islington.

4. RingGo Page for Goswell Road Parking Zone CPZ-A

Close-up of an Islington Council sticker on a lamppost showing contact number for reporting faults.

5. Islington Council Lamppost Sticker

6. Forest Real Estate To-Let Sign on Building

Google search results for “Forest Real Estate,” showing the top result for the commercial property agency in London.

7. Search Results for Forest Real Estate London

Homepage of Forest Real Estate website, advertising commercial properties in Central and Greater London.

8. Forest Real Estate Website Homepage

Forest Real Estate property search results filtered for Goswell Road, displaying two available commercial units.

9. Forest Real Estate Listings for Goswell Road

Street-level image of buildings on Goswell Road, featuring mixed architecture and ground-floor shops.

10. Street View of Buildings on Goswell Road

Street photo showing modern grey brick building with signage reading “Inspiring together,” located on Goswell Road, London.

11. Another Street View of a Building on Goswell Road London

A screenshot of Google Maps showing the location of 116–120 Goswell Road in Clerkenwell, London, highlighted with a red map marker.

12. Google Maps Search Result for 116–120 Goswell Road, Clerkenwell

Street View of 116–120 Goswell Road showing the black-bricked office building, street trees, and shopfronts including MJF Interiors.

13. Google Maps Street View – 116–120 Goswell Road, Clerkenwell London

Additional context (for those curious about the clue name)

“The 1st Edition” references the venue of the first BSides London event in 2011: https://bsides.london/previous

Although that original venue no longer exists, archived pages confirm its location in the same area, adding historical depth to the clue: https://archive.upcoming.org/venue/the-skills-matter-exchange-623709

Final Thoughts

This challenge demonstrated the power of OSINT, not through secret tools or restricted data but through careful observation, creative thinking and smart use of publicly available information. From blue plaques and gig posters to carpet patterns and parking codes, every detail has the potential to unlock a real-world location.

We hope this walkthrough inspires you to explore OSINT safely, ethically and enthusiastically. And, to appreciate just how much information can be uncovered when you know what to look for.