Photo Quest

When you take a picture on your phone, the geophysical location of the image is stored along with the picture. This means that the position of photographs can be shown on digital maps.

Digimap is linked to the Geograph® Britain and Ireland project, and shows photographs taken by contributors.

Let’s see how it works.

1. Zoom in to Happisburgh and see the lighthouse symbol to the south-east of the village.
2. Watch the screen video to see how to search for photos of the lighthouse.
3. Explain to your partner/class how the map shows where photos were taken.
4. Agree a favourite photo of Happisburgh lighthouse and show it on your screen.

When we typed the word ’lighthouse’ into the Image Search box, this was used to find photos with the word ’lighthouse’ in their description. In computing, this is called a query expression (query is a synonym for question).

Keeping the ’lighthouse’ query expression, zoom out and pan across the UK.

1. Can the map tell you about the number of lighthouses around the coast?
2. Where do you expect to see lighthouses and why are they there?
3. What is it important to remember about the numbers in the photo circles?
4. Are there any surprising circles? Can you explain their mystery?

Zoom in to Brighton and use your photo query skills to find photos of the pier.

1. Can you find this photo by Geograph contributor, Christine Matthews?
2. When was it taken?
3. Use directional vocabulary to describe where it was taken.

Hint: also look at the position of the photo circle on the map.