Case Study #0001: The Durian Escapade

Difficulty: Intermediate

I was recently requested by Twitter user kopigo to geolocate a photo posted by pedoqpop. In the Tweet, pedoqpop stated they regretted following Google Maps, as it instructed them to go through a random kampung to get to their destination.

This article covers my workflow for identifying the location. If you’re learning how to geolocate Malaysian locations, I strongly recommend taking the time to practice from this geolocation request.

Initial Observations

• A phone with what appears to be the Google Maps application open. The subject is instructed to take a right turn into a major road based off the yellow coloring. There is also a river to the left of that road. Fonts are blurry and out-of-focus.
• Dirt trails for what appears to be a laluan motosikal
• A lot of foliage. Parts of it are trimmed, suggesting the area is inhabited and not abandoned.
• A blue car parked on the grass
• A building with yellow walls

Workflow

1. If you squint your eyes hard enough, you can see that the map is directing our subject to enter Lebuhraya Kuala Lumpur. There are a few variations of Lebuhraya Kuala Lumpur (KL-Putrajaya, KL-Karak), but the one that the font and spacing matches the most is Lebuhraya KL — Gua Musang. From this, we can determine the picture took place north east of Kuala Lumpur and could go all the way to Kelantan.
2. Further observations of the screen shows a blurry compass pointing to the east. This tells us that the subject will be headed southbound after that right turn. It also tells us the river in that picture is located to the east of Lebuhraya Kuala Lumpur.
3. I attempted to locate the picture by going along the KL — Gua Musang highway whilst finding similar road patterns and a river to the east. I relied on both Google Maps and Google Earth. Interestingly, Google Maps on phones may highlight the highway in blue when searched, but Maps and Earth on a desktop would not highlight the route the same way.
4. I was not able to confidently geolocate from #1 and #2 alone. I went to sleep.
5. I checked the original Twitter post from pedoqpop. In a quoted retweet, Pedoq stated they were in the area to find a durian stall. From the picture, there appears to be a banner that states “Yap Musang King” and “Welcome to Bentong”. Refer to SUPP #1 below.
6. I focused my search on Bentong, Pahang. I was able to find a similarity with one of the streets adjacent to Lebuhraya KL — Gua Musang. Refer to SUPP #2.
7. With the help of Google Streetview, I was able to find the same yellow wall, plant pot, blue car, and dark wooden house. Refer to the Results section. Note: I did not include the blue car in the comparison due to privacy reasons.

Supplemental

SUPP #1 — This image has been flipped for readability. Notice how it states “YAP MUSANG KING” and “WELCOME TO BENTONG”. Source: pedoqpop

SUPP #2 — A Google Maps phone app screenshot comparing to the one in the picture. Using Google Maps on desktop would restrict you from rotating while you’re in the normal view.

Results

The picture was geolocated to Bentong, Pahang at coordinates 3.5032N, 101.9143E.

I hope you enjoyed the assessment! :)

Do let me know if you would like more case studies to practice with. Feel free to message me on Twitter if you have any questions or opportunities.