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Location Data Guide

Why Location Data Matters

When you upload a checkpoint photo, Take n Run needs to know:

  • Where the photo was taken – So players can find the location
  • Precise coordinates – So search areas are accurate

Therefore, this information is required for checkpoint creation.

Four Methods of Capturing Location

Test Them First! Use the Location Test Page to make sure your device can record GPS coordinates before creating checkpoint photos – save yourself frustration later.

There are four ways to get location data for your checkpoints:

Method 1: Browser Geolocation (Recommended)

How it works: Take n Run uses your device’s current GPS position when you upload, and tags the photo with it. You must be physically at the checkpoint location. This is the default because it works the same way on every phone — there are no camera settings to configure first.

Advantages:

  • Easiest and most consistent – works the same across devices
  • Works with any photo (even ones without GPS data)
  • See your exact position on a map before uploading
  • Good for verifying location accuracy on the spot

Limitations:

  • Must be at the checkpoint location when uploading
  • Can only upload one photo at a time

Enabling Browser Location – iOS Safari

  1. Open Settings
  2. Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security
  3. Tap Location Services
  4. Make sure Location Services is ON
  5. Scroll down and find Safari Websites
  6. Select “While Using the App”

When you visit the upload page, Safari will ask permission – tap “Allow”.

Enabling Browser Location – Android Chrome

  1. Open Chrome
  2. Tap the three dots menu (top right)
  3. Tap Settings
  4. Tap Site settings
  5. Tap Location
  6. Make sure it’s set to “Ask before allowing” or “Allowed”

When prompted on the Take n Run site, tap “Allow”.

Accuracy Note: Browser location can be less accurate indoors. For best results, stand outside with a clear view of the sky and give it a few seconds to settle.

Method 2: Photo EXIF Data

How it works: When you take a photo with location services enabled, your camera saves GPS coordinates directly into the photo file (called EXIF metadata). Take n Run reads this data automatically when you upload. Use this when you want to take photos in advance and upload them later in a batch.

Advantages:

  • Can upload multiple photos at once
  • Works offline – take photos anytime, upload later
  • Photos already have location from when they were taken

Requirements:

  • Location services must be enabled for your camera app BEFORE taking photos
  • Photos must be original (not screenshots or edited copies)
  • Camera location tags behave differently across phone makes and OS versions

Enabling Camera Location – iOS (iPhone/iPad)

  1. Open Settings
  2. Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security
  3. Tap Location Services
  4. Make sure Location Services is ON (green)
  5. Scroll down and find Camera
  6. Select “While Using the App”

Enabling Camera Location – Android

  1. Open the Camera app
  2. Tap the Settings icon (usually a gear)
  3. Look for “Location tags”, “Geo-tagging”, or “Save location”
  4. Turn it ON

Note: The exact steps vary by phone manufacturer. If you can’t find it, search your phone’s settings for “camera location”.

Pro Tip: After enabling location, take a test photo and check if it has location data using the Location Test Page.

Method 3: Map Pin (Desk-Built)

How it works: You pin each photo’s location on a map yourself in the Upload step. Any photo works, from any device, from anywhere – no GPS or camera settings needed.

  • Search for a place or tap the map to drop the pin
  • Drag the pin (or use arrow keys) to fine-tune it
  • Also offered automatically when a Photo Mode upload has no location tag
Accuracy is on you: place the pin where the photo was really taken – players will search within the circle around it.

Method 4: Street View (Full Games)

How it works: You frame a Google Street View image as the checkpoint’s reference photo, entirely from your desk. Pin a location, pan and zoom the panorama to frame the view, and the checkpoint is created with the panorama’s exact camera position.

  • No photo and no travel needed
  • Works only where Street View coverage exists (roads and streets)
  • Check the imagery date – old imagery may no longer match reality
Tip: Concerned about privacy? Location access is only needed while you take or upload photos for your checkpoints. Once your game has been created and all checkpoint photos are uploaded, the location has already been saved with each checkpoint — you can simply revert the settings back to what they were before. The app doesn’t need ongoing access to your location after that.

Testing Your Setup

The Location Test Page lets you verify both methods work on your device:

  1. Visit the test page on the device you’ll use for setup
  2. Test Browser Mode (the default):
    • Allow location access when prompted
    • Check if your current position appears on the map
  3. Test Photo Mode (optional):
    • Take a photo with your camera
    • Upload it to the test page
    • Check if GPS coordinates are displayed
Success! If either method shows location data, you’re ready to upload checkpoint photos! You only need one working method.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Photos don’t have location data

  • Cause: Camera location was disabled when photos were taken
  • Solution: Use Browser mode (the default), which tags the photo with your current location
  • Alternative: Enable camera location (see instructions above) and retake the photos, or pin the location manually on the map when offered (Map Pin)

Location seems wrong or inaccurate

  • Cause: Poor GPS signal when photo was taken (indoors, between tall buildings)
  • Solution: Retake photos in areas with better GPS reception (outside, clear sky view)
  • Workaround: Adjust the search area position in the Checkpoints step

Browser won’t share location

  • Cause: Location permission denied or disabled
  • Solution: Check browser and device location settings (see instructions above)
  • Note: Some browsers remember if you previously denied permission – you may need to reset site permissions

Location accuracy is poor

  • Wait a few seconds after enabling location for GPS to acquire satellites
  • Move to an area with clear sky view
  • Check that your device’s location services are set to “High accuracy” mode

Which Method Should I Use?

Scenario Recommended Method
You’re setting up while visiting locations Browser Geolocation (the default)
You want the simplest setup that works on any phone Browser Geolocation
Your photos don’t have GPS data Browser Geolocation
You can take all photos before setup Photo EXIF (take photos, upload later)
You need to upload many photos at once Photo EXIF
Your photos have no location tags (or you’re planning remotely with your own photos) Map Pin
You’re building the game for another city without traveling (full games) Street View

Best Practices

  • Start with Browser mode – It’s the default and easiest; just allow location when your browser asks
  • Always test first – Use the Location Test Page before starting setup
  • Be outdoors for the best fix – GPS works best with a clear sky view (applies to both methods)
  • For Photo mode, use original photos – Cropping, editing, screenshots, or downloaded images may remove GPS data
  • Verify each checkpoint – Check the map in the Checkpoints step to confirm positions
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