[wp-meta] [Making WordPress.org] #7958: Map-Based Exploration for the WordPress Photo Directory Using EXIF GPS Data

[Making WordPress.org]

#7958: Map-Based Exploration for the WordPress Photo Directory Using EXIF GPS Data
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 Reporter:  kimjiwoon        |      Owner:  (none)
     Type:  feature request  |     Status:  new
 Priority:  normal           |  Milestone:
Component:  Photo Directory  |   Keywords:
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 I noticed that the [WordPress Photo
 Directory](https://wordpress.org/photos/photo/61867f2e3a/) includes EXIF
 data, and in many cases, GPS metadata as well. This opens up an exciting
 opportunity to enhance the directory by integrating a map API (e.g.,
 OpenStreetMap, Leaflet, or Google Maps) to visually display where photos
 were taken.

 Such an implementation could add a powerful geographic storytelling
 layer—something like a **“WordPress World Map of Photos.”** This would not
 only improve the user experience for browsing photos, but also encourage
 contributors to submit culturally or geographically unique content from
 around the world.

 As an extended idea, we could draw inspiration from the [Niantic Wayfarer
 criteria](https://wayfarer.nianticlabs.com/new/criteria/eligibility) used
 in Pokémon GO, where players submit and review real-world locations.
 Coupling this with a community role similar to **Google Maps Local
 Guides** could help build a community-curated, location-based photo
 archive, further gamifying and incentivizing contributions.

 This also opens up interesting possibilities for **Rosetta communities**:
 by tagging and curating local culture, architecture, and events through
 geolocated photos, local WordPress groups could build visual archives that
 celebrate regional diversity—potentially even used for Meetup or event
 storytelling.

 In addition, this kind of location display could be extended to **Jetpack
 galleries**, similar to how photo apps in Samsung Galaxy, Ubuntu, and
 Windows 11 natively allow map-based browsing using EXIF data.

 To further support this idea, enabling **comments on individual photos**
 (perhaps via Jetpack Comments) would allow for additional context-
 sharing—such as cultural significance, travel stories, or historical
 notes. These interactions would deepen the educational and social value of
 the directory and support global community building.

 ---

 **In summary, this proposal includes:**

 - Displaying photo locations using EXIF GPS data on a map
 - Community-driven curation inspired by Niantic Wayfarer and Google Map
 Local Guides
 - Tighter integration with Rosetta/local communities for showcasing
 regional content
 - Optional location mapping in Jetpack galleries
 - Enhanced user interaction through photo-level comments

 ---

 This is more than just a feature request—it could become a testbed for
 unifying WordPress’s diverse community resources (Photos, Translations,
 Events, and Rosetta) through **location-aware design**.

 Would love to hear your thoughts on this, and whether it’s something the
 community would be interested in exploring further!

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Ticket URL: <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/7958>
Making WordPress.org <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/>
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