Introduction to OSINT for Journalists and Researchers from Udemy

This course is designed for journalists and researchers looking to learn about open source intelligence analysis to investigate and verify global issues. It takes a strong focus on the geospatial elements of OSINT rather than the infosec and digital security end. It is designed to allow you to approach and uncover new information from the vast online world of information and select clues and evidence to formulate strong conclusions as well as tackle misinformation and fake news.

In this course, you will learn how to verify information, imagery, and footage that you encounter online using free and open source tools available to anyone. This includes Google Earth, Sentinel Hub, various browser tools, and search engine use. It also touches on common analytical pitfalls, data handling, Google dorking, and ethics of investigations.

While this course is beginner-friendly, it assumes an understanding of good journalistic or research practices to enable participants the best path to conducting ethical investigations. Participants only require an internet-connected computer and the free software options discussed in this course. While a good computer is not required, some of the tools can be a bit demanding on older processors, so patience may be needed. Not all tools will run on all operating systems, but the premise and techniques taught will.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Geolocation and verification skills
Open source investigation

Open source intelligence
Osint

Geolocation and verification skills
Open source investigation
Open source intelligence
Osint

Syllabus

Introduction

Introduction to OSINT and Geolocation/Geoverification skills, mindsets, and tools

Lesson 1: Intro to OSINT Skills

Lesson 2: Mindsets and Bias

This quiz is designed to let you test yourself on the basics and terms which you have encountered so far in the course.

Reviews summary

Practical osint for journalists and researchers

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation in geospatial OSINT and verification techniques, particularly useful for journalism and research. Students appreciated the focus on practical, free tools like Google Earth and found the modules on image verification and Google Dorking especially helpful. While the course is widely seen as beginner-friendly and immediately applicable, some reviewers noted that certain tools or links could be warning outdated, and others desired warning deeper dives into specific topics or more case studies. Overall, the sentiment is strongly positive favorable among those seeking skills in verifying online information via geospatial methods.

Strong emphasis on location-based intelligence.

"This course focuses heavily on the geospatial elements of OSINT, which was exactly what I needed."

"I appreciated that the course primarily covered geospatial analysis and verification, which is a critical skill."

"It's clear this course is geared towards using open source data to understand 'where' things happened."

Accessible introduction for newcomers to OSINT.

"While I had some research background, this course was a perfect beginner-level introduction to OSINT."

"It truly felt beginner-friendly, explaining concepts clearly without assuming prior OSINT knowledge."

"Great starting point if you're new to open source intelligence and its applications."

Directly applicable to journalism and research.

"As a journalist, the skills taught are directly relevant to my daily work verifying information."

"This course provides practical skills that researchers can immediately apply."

"It specifically addresses the needs of professionals in the media and research fields."

Teaches crucial techniques for fact-checking.

"The course teaches you how to verify information, imagery, and footage which is essential."

"Learning the verification methodologies presented here is invaluable in today's information landscape."

"I now have a solid process for verifying online content before using it in my work."

Hands-on use of free, accessible tools.

"The way they showed how to use free tools like Google Earth Pro for investigations was incredibly practical."

"I learned to utilize several free online resources effectively for verification."

"Getting hands-on experience with tools I can actually use immediately was a major plus for me."

Could benefit from more advanced coverage.

"For someone with a bit more experience, some sections might feel a little basic."

"I would have liked to see more advanced case studies or deeper dives into complex scenarios."

"While great for an intro, the course doesn't go into significant depth on any single tool or technique."

Some tools or resources may need updates.

"A few of the external tools or links mentioned seemed a bit outdated or required workarounds."

"While the core techniques are solid, some software demos felt slightly behind the current versions."

"I encountered some minor issues with certain tools not working exactly as shown in the lectures."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to OSINT for Journalists and Researchers with these activities:

Review Basic Geography

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Reviewing basic geography concepts will help you better understand the geospatial aspects of OSINT covered in the course.

Browse courses on Geolocation

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Review map projections and coordinate systems.
Familiarize yourself with major geographical features and regions.
Practice identifying locations using maps and online tools.

Read 'Verification Handbook'

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Reading the Verification Handbook will provide a solid foundation in verification techniques, which are crucial for OSINT investigations.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the Verification Handbook.
Read the chapters related to image, video, and source verification.
Practice the techniques described in the book using online examples.

Practice Google Dorking

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Practicing Google Dorking will improve your ability to find specific information using advanced search operators, a key skill for OSINT.

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Review the Google Dorking lesson in the course.
Create a list of common search operators.
Practice using different search operators to find specific information online.

Three other activities

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Create a Geolocation Report

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Creating a geolocation report will allow you to apply the skills learned in the course to a real-world scenario.

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Select a location of interest.
Use OSINT techniques to gather information about the location.
Write a report summarizing your findings, including geolocation data and verification steps.

Read 'Open Source Intelligence Techniques'

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Reading 'Open Source Intelligence Techniques' will provide a broader understanding of OSINT and its applications.

View OSINT Techniques: Resources for Uncovering... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Open Source Intelligence Techniques'.
Read the chapters related to your areas of interest.
Experiment with the tools and techniques described in the book.

Investigate a Misinformation Campaign

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Investigating a misinformation campaign will allow you to apply your OSINT skills to a complex and relevant problem.

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Identify a misinformation campaign of interest.
Use OSINT techniques to trace the origins and spread of the misinformation.
Document your findings and present them in a clear and concise manner.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to OSINT for Journalists and Researchers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Investigative Journalist

An Investigative Journalist uncovers hidden information and reports on matters of public interest. This course may be useful for those seeking to improve their data gathering skills in the investigative journalism field, especially in the digital space. The course focuses on open source intelligence analysis to investigate and verify global issues. It teaches how to verify information, imagery, and footage using open source tools, which helps build a foundation for data-driven investigative work. Skills taught in the course, such as geolocation, geoverification, horizon analysis, reverse image search, and image forgery detection, are directly applicable to an Investigative Journalist's role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investigative Journalist

Fact Checker

A Fact Checker verifies the accuracy of statements made in news reports, articles, and other forms of media. This course is highly relevant for those looking to become a Fact Checker, as it will help you improve your data gathering skills. This course will enable you to verify information, imagery, and footage using open source tools. It also touches on analytical pitfalls, data handling, Google dorking, and ethics of investigations. Skills such as horizon analysis, reverse image search, and image forgery detection are valuable in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fact Checker

Intelligence Analyst

An Intelligence Analyst collects and analyzes information to identify threats and provide insights to decision-makers. This course is useful for an aspiring Intelligence Analyst, focusing on open source intelligence analysis to investigate and verify global issues. You will learn how to verify information, imagery, and footage using tools such as Google Earth and Sentinel Hub. These tools greatly assist the intelligence gathering and analysis process. The course also covers data handling, Google dorking, and ethics of investigations, which are important aspects of the profession.

See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Analyst

Research Analyst

A Research Analyst gathers, analyzes, and interprets data to provide insights and recommendations. This course helps build a foundation for a Research Analyst. This course will teach you how to verify information, imagery, and footage using a variety of open source tools. The course also touches on common analytical pitfalls, data handling, and ethics of investigations. Skills such as geolocation, geoverification, horizon analysis, and reverse image search are directly transferable to a Research Analyst's daily tasks.

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Data Journalist

A Data Journalist finds and tells stories using data. For those aspiring to become a Data Journalist, a strong understanding of OSINT is extremely helpful. This course focuses on open source intelligence analysis to investigate and verify global issues. The course will help you to verify data, imagery, and footage you find online. You will be better prepared to tackle misinformation and fake news. Furthermore, the course covers data handling and common analytical pitfalls.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Journalist

Political Risk Analyst

A Political Risk Analyst assesses and advises on the political risks associated with investments and business operations. A Political Risk Analyst must be skilled at OSINT. This course takes a strong focus on the geospatial elements of OSINT rather than the infosec and digital security end. In the course, you will learn how to verify information, imagery, and footage that you encounter online using free and open source tools available to anyone. This includes Google Earth, Sentinel Hub, various browser tools, and search engine use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Risk Analyst

Geospatial Analyst

A Geospatial Analyst analyzes geographic data to provide insights and solutions for various applications. This course is relevant for those looking to become a Geospatial Analyst, as it takes a strong focus on the geospatial elements of OSINT. You will learn how to verify information, imagery, and footage that you encounter online using free and open source tools available to anyone. The course also touches on common analytical pitfalls, data handling, Google dorking, and ethics of investigations. Skills such as geolocation, geoverification, horizon analysis, and measurement verifications are directly applicable to a Geospatial Analyst's daily work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Analyst

Social Media Investigator

A Social Media Investigator uses open source information to gather intelligence about individuals or organizations from social media platforms. This course will help you with the technical aspects of social media investigation. It takes a strong focus on the geospatial elements of OSINT rather than the infosec and digital security end. In this course, you will learn how to verify information, imagery, and footage that you encounter online using free and open source tools available to anyone. Skills such as horizon analysis, reverse image search, and image forgery detection are useful.

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Archivist

An Archivist is responsible for appraising, collecting, organizing, preserving, and providing access to historically significant records and documents. An archivist must be skilled at verifying important documents. This course may be useful for those wishing to improve their verification skillset. This course will enable you to verify information, imagery, and footage using open source tools. It also touches on analytical pitfalls, data handling, Google dorking, and ethics of investigations. Skills such as horizon analysis, reverse image search, and image forgery detection are valuable.

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Librarian

A Librarian helps people find information and resources. This course may be useful for those wishing to improve their research skills. This course will teach you how to verify information, imagery, and footage using a variety of open source tools. The course also touches on common analytical pitfalls, data handling, and ethics of investigations. Skills such as geolocation, geoverification, horizon analysis, and reverse image search are directly transferable to research.

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Academic Researcher

An Academic Researcher conducts research in a specific field of study, often at a university or research institution. This course is useful for those looking to improve their data gathering skills. You will learn how to verify information, imagery, and footage using open source tools. It also touches on analytical pitfalls, data handling, Google dorking, and ethics of investigations, which are all critical to academic research. Specifically, skills such as horizon analysis, reverse image search, and image forgery detection are valuable.

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Law Enforcement Analyst

A Law Enforcement Analyst supports law enforcement agencies by analyzing data to identify patterns, trends, and potential threats. This course may be useful for an aspiring Law Enforcement Analyst, as it focuses on open source intelligence analysis to investigate and verify global issues. You will learn how to verify information, imagery, and footage using tools such as Google Earth and Sentinel Hub. These tools greatly assist the intelligence gathering and analysis process. The course also covers data handling, Google dorking, and ethics of investigations, which are important aspects of the profession.

See salaries and explore the career path for Law Enforcement Analyst

Market Research Analyst

A Market Research Analyst studies market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. A Market Research Analyst must be skilled at data collection and verification. This course may be useful for those wishing to improve their skill in data collection. The course focuses on open source intelligence analysis to investigate and verify global issues. The course will help you to verify data, imagery, and footage you find online. Furthermore, the course covers data handling and common analytical pitfalls.

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Business Intelligence Analyst

A Business Intelligence Analyst analyzes data to identify trends and insights that can help businesses make better decisions. A Business Intelligence Analyst must be skilled at data collection and verification. This course may be useful for those wishing to improve their skill in data collection. The course focuses on open source intelligence analysis to investigate and verify global issues. The course will help you to verify data, imagery, and footage you find online. Furthermore, the course covers data handling and common analytical pitfalls.

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Urban Planner

An Urban Planner develops plans and programs for the use of land in urban and regional areas. This course may be useful for those wishing to improve their verification skillset. This course will enable you to verify information, imagery, and footage using open source tools. It also touches on analytical pitfalls, data handling, Google dorking, and ethics of investigations. Skills such as horizon analysis, reverse image search, and image forgery detection are valuable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to OSINT for Journalists and Researchers.

Putting Knowledge to Work

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This handbook provides a comprehensive guide to verifying information and content online. It covers various techniques and tools used in OSINT investigations, including image and video verification, source evaluation, and social media analysis. It valuable resource for journalists and researchers seeking to improve their verification skills. provides a strong foundation for the verification techniques taught in the course.

Putting Knowledge to Work

Paperback

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Putting Knowledge to Work

Kindle Edition

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OSINT Techniques

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Provides a comprehensive overview of OSINT techniques and tools. It covers a wide range of topics, including search engine optimization, social media analysis, and data visualization. It valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their OSINT skills. This book expands on the OSINT techniques taught in the course and provides additional resources for further learning.

OSINT Techniques: Resources for Uncovering Online...

Paperback

Introduction to OSINT for Journalists and Researchers

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical osint for journalists and researchers

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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