re: #11 bubba zanetti

Well, just for giggles I pulled Instagram location metadata from the photo where he has his hand over eye, and the location is given as:

48.8697, 39.822986667

which according to Google Maps is inside the Ukraine.

That’s not EXIF data so we don’t know if that number is influenced by Instagram’s storage system or anything.

The question isn’t necessarily whether it’s EXIF data, it’s how the location information is generated. If it’s from GPS signal, then it should be pretty accurate. If it’s based on cell tower location, the margin of error is larger.

Android phones (and presumably iOS as well) are capable of geotagging photos even without the GPS turned on. What isn’t clear is if Instagram is accessing these features and, if it is, whether the location data on these photos was generated by GPS data or cell tower locations.

re: #12 otoc

iOS uses what they call “Location Services” which in Apple-speak relies on GPS or Wifi network location, or Cell Triangulation. Turning GPS off means turning off all “Location Services”. Which makes me ponder whether the Instagram quote I posted was entirely accurate with iOS.

I just tried Instagram with my Location Services on with my iPhone. Nailed the location within feet. I was indoors, but my GPS app showed that GPS locationing was working.

You do need to specifically approve the feature within Instagram your first time out as I found.

I definately understood your point, btw. ;)

I agree, Instagram certainly doesn’t give a clear answer one way or another.

I’ve been buried in some of the Android location services stuff for a while since I’ve been working on teaching myself development for the system, which is why I wonder where they’re pulling the location information from.