Welcome back, aspiring cyberwarriors!
The exploration and analysis of physical infrastructure are motivated by various factors, including open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigations, penetration testing, and cyberwarfare operations. A valuable resource for these tasks is the extensive data available from OpenStreetMap (OSM). To help in research, developers have created a range of tools, including Overpass Turbo.
Overpass Turbo is a good general-purpose tool for querying OSM data. Still, a more specialized OSINT tool, Sightline, improves the search experience. Sightline uses OSM data and includes features like natural language search, making it easier for beginners to conduct research.
In this article, we will explore Sightline’s features, compare it to Overpass Turbo, and examine its limitations. Let’s get rolling!
Fire up Sightline
To get started with Sighline, we need to open a website https://sightline-maps.vercel.app. By default, the platform will load a query and present the results on the map, as shown below:
At this point, you might have noticed that queries are constructed without following a specific format; they are just plain text. Technically, it’s still Overpass Turbo, as this tool uses the Overpass Turbo API but presents it with an attractive user interface.
On the platform’s official GitHub page, we can see its architecture.
When we type our query, for example, “Bunkers in Moscow”, Sightline parses the query with lightweight natural language processing (NLP) into Overpass queries.
Another feature of this tool is that geographic resolution uses the Nominatim geocoding service to convert place names to bounding boxes and coordinates. Furthermore, we can describe locations in human-readable place names (e.g., “Berlin”, “Eiffel Tower”, “Texas”, “Airports near Tver”). In the screenhost below, you can see that airports were shown in the city and within a 50 km radius.
Besides the map tab, we also have a results tab. It just shows all findings in the list format.
Last but not least, there’s a filter tab that lets you modify the query, filter operators, and other values.
Overpass Turbo vs Sightline
Overpass Turbo and Sightline are powerful tools for querying OpenStreetMap data, but they serve different audiences and use cases. To help you choose, explore the table below.
| Feature | Overpass Turbo | Sightline |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | General-purpose OSM data mining and query development tool | Specialized OSINT search engine for infrastructure intelligence |
| Target Audience | OSM mappers, developers, GIS professionals, advanced users | OSINT analysts, security researchers, infrastructure investigators |
| Query Method | Overpass QL (query language) or Query Wizard | Natural language and structured queries |
| Learning Curve | Steep – requires learning Overpass QL syntax | Easy – natural language queries like “telecom towers in karnataka” |
| Query Examples | node["amenity"="hospital"]({{bbox}}); out; | type:power_plant operator:google or data centers in california |
| Interface | Web-based code editor with map visualization | User-friendly search interface with filters |
| Data Scope | Any OSM data – unlimited flexibility | Focused on 150+ infrastructure types across 20+ categories |
| Search Assistance | Query Wizard for basic queries | Built-in NLP parser and search suggestions |
| Deployment | Hosted at overpass-turbo.eu (public instance) | Self-hosted or deployed (Next.js application) |
| Technology Stack | JavaScript, Leaflet.js, Overpass API | Next.js, TypeScript, React, Leaflet.js |
| Export Options | GeoJSON, GPX, KML, raw OSM data, load to JOSM, save as Gist, PNG | Standard web formats (implementation dependent) |
| Customization | Full query customization with Overpass QL | Limited to predefined infrastructure categories |
| Performance | Can handle complex queries but may timeout on large datasets | Optimized for specific infrastructure queries |
| Query Wizard | Yes – converts simple searches to Overpass QL | Built-in natural language processing |
| Code Editor | Full-featured with syntax highlighting | Not applicable – search interface only |
| Query Sharing | Direct URLs with embedded queries | Share buttons for results |
| Infrastructure Focus | Generic – any OSM feature | Specialized – telecom, energy, military, maritime, aviation, etc. |
| Operator Filtering | Manual via tags | Built-in support (e.g., operator:airtel) |
| Geographic Search | Bounding boxes, areas, coordinates | Natural location names with Nominatim integration |
| Radius Search | Via around() queries | Built-in radius: parameter |
| Real-time Editing | Load results directly into JOSM for editing | Read-only visualization |
| Use Cases | Map development, QA, data extraction, research | Infrastructure surveillance, threat assessment, geospatial intelligence |
| Data Currency | Live OSM data via Overpass API | Live OSM data via Overpass API |
| Offline Capability | Requires Overpass API connection | Requires Overpass API and Nominatim |
| Rate Limiting | Subject to Overpass API fair use policy | Subject to both Nominatim (1 req/sec) and Overpass API limits |
| Query Complexity | Unlimited – supports recursive queries, conditionals, regex | Simplified – focused on common OSINT scenarios |
| Visualization | Interactive map with clickable features | Interactive map with Leaflet.js |
| License | Open source | MIT License |
| Caching | Browser-based | In-memory caching implementation |
| Mobile Support | Responsive web interface | Responsive Next.js application |
| API Access | Direct Overpass API queries | Backend API wrapping Overpass queries |
| Batch Queries | Possible via query union syntax | Limited to UI-driven queries |
| Integration | JOSM, geojson.io, various mapping tools | Standalone application |
Both tools access the same underlying OpenStreetMap data through the Overpass API, so the quality and completeness of results depend on OSM contributors. Sightline can be seen as a specialized, user-friendly interface built on top of the same data source that Overpass Turbo provides access to, optimized specifically for infrastructure intelligence use cases in the OSINT domain.
But it’s important to understand the limitations of Sightline: one is that it’s focused only on ~150 predefined infrastructure/asset types in 20+ categories — great for telecom, energy, transport, etc., but useless for general OSM querying (e.g., searching for schools, parks, or custom tags).
Summary
In this article, we explored how convenient tools like Sightline are for beginners, thanks to their user-friendly and natural-language search. We looked at how Sightline stacks up against Overpass Turbo and found that they are created for different users. Overpass Turbo tends to be more technical, while Sightline focuses on infrastructure intelligence. Some standout features of Sightline include its geographic resolution options through Nominatim and various filters. Even though it has a few drawbacks, Sightline is definitely a valuable tool for OSINT analysts and researchers focused on tracking infrastructure.
Stay tuned for more insights as we continue our journey into the world of cybersecurity!
Source: HackersArise
Source Link: https://hackers-arise.com/open-source-intelligence-osint-mapping-physical-infrastructure-with-sightline/