Message feed
On the right-hand side of the page are the results of the selected searches and filters displayed in a message feed. This allows you to scroll through the retrieved messages.
It’s also possible to put the entire message feed in full-screen by clicking on the arrows.
By default, messages arrive in the order they were retrieved, with the most recent messages at the top. Users can switch to messages ordered by relevance using the sorting option on top of the messages feed.
With each message you see:
- The sender (1) of the message
- The source (2) of the original message
- The time (3) when the message was retrieved
- Images or videos (4) that belong to the message
- Words marked with the color matching the Search or Filter (5)
- Coordinates of the message, if it has any
Visuals
To view messages with accompanying images or videos separately, click on ‘Visuals’. If you move over the visual, you will see a short display of text about the corresponding message.
Click on a visual to display it in large format. A pop-up will appear with the image and the related message.
Map
When citizens post information online, they can tag their exact location. Maltego Monitor then retrieves messages with location data if they match a geo search in the case. As a result, it is possible to view messages on a map.
Select the Map item
To see the location from which messages have been sent, click on 'Map' in the menu. The messages on the map are shown in the colors of the corresponding searches and filters. To view a message, use the message icon on the map.
Sorting Messages
In collaboration with our users, Maltego Monitor (previously PublicSonar) has developed a new advanced sorting option for the message feed.
Besides the standard way of sorting, with the chronological order of new messages on top, users can now also sort messages by Relevance.
What are relevant messages?
The relevance of a message is determined by looking at the properties of messages that our users deem to be relevant. Think f.e. about:
- If the message contains a picture, video or link
- From which public source the message comes from
- Whether the account that posted the message is verified or not
On the basis of various properties, including but not limited to the ones above, Maltego Monitor (previously PublicSonar) developed an algorithm that sorts messages with the highest relevance to the top of the message feed.
How to use sorting by relevance
A new sorting function is a useful tool when you don't have the time to read all of the messages but still want to check if any relevant messages were found. Sorting on new messages, however, remains the standard way of sorting the feed.
Want to see it for yourself? Open a case and choose the option 'Relevancy'.