GPS & Metadata
How Vortyk automatically extracts GPS coordinates, camera bearing, and EXIF metadata from your field photos.
Last updated: April 18, 2026
What gets extracted
| Data | Source | Where it appears |
|---|---|---|
| GPS coordinates | Latitude and longitude from EXIF | Maps, reports, photo detail view |
| Camera bearing | Compass direction the camera faced | Map pin orientation arrows |
| Capture date & time | Original timestamp from camera | Reports, photo detail view |
| Image dimensions | Width and height in pixels | Stored for layout calculations |
All of this happens automatically during upload. You do not need to enter any of this information manually.
How GPS extraction works
Modern smartphones embed GPS coordinates in every photo's EXIF data (when location services are enabled). When you upload a photo to Vortyk, the server reads the EXIF headers and extracts the latitude and longitude.
These coordinates are used to:
- Place the photo on the interactive map. Each photo appears at its exact GPS location with a pin.
- Show camera direction. If bearing data is available, the map shows which direction the camera was facing.
- Include location in reports. PDF reports display GPS coordinates alongside each photo.
- Validate field presence. GPS data confirms the photo was taken at or near the project site.
What happens if GPS data is missing
Not every photo has GPS data. This can happen when:
- Location services were turned off on the device
- The photo was taken indoors where GPS signal is weak
- The photo was taken with a camera that does not have GPS capability
- The EXIF data was stripped during file transfer or editing
When Vortyk detects a photo without GPS data, it flags the photo for review. The photo still uploads successfully and can be used in reports and surveys. It just will not appear on the map. See Photo Validation for details.
Camera bearing and orientation
Some smartphones record the compass direction (bearing) at the moment a photo is taken. Vortyk extracts this data and uses it to display directional arrows on map pins. This tells you not just where a photo was taken, but which direction the camera was facing.
This is particularly useful for:
- Documenting building facades. Know exactly which side of the building you were photographing
- Directional damage assessment. Record which direction damage faces
- Progress documentation. Retake photos from the same position and direction
Preserving metadata integrity
Vortyk preserves the original EXIF metadata from your photos. The extraction is read-only. Your original files are not modified. This means the GPS coordinates, timestamps, and other metadata remain legally defensible as documentation of when and where a photo was taken.
Tips
- Always enable location services on your camera app before going to the field.
- Check GPS accuracy after uploading by viewing photos on the map. If pins appear in the wrong location, your device may have had a weak GPS signal.
- Indoor photos often lack GPS data. Consider taking a GPS-tagged photo outside the building first, then documenting the interior.