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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.

Two 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 two ways to get location data for your checkpoints:

Method 1: Photo EXIF Data (Recommended)

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.

Advantages:

  • Most accurate method
  • 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)

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 2: Browser Geolocation

How it works: Instead of reading location from the photo, Take n Run uses your device’s current GPS position when you upload. You must be physically at the checkpoint location.

Advantages:

  • Works with any photo (even ones without GPS data)
  • See your exact position on a map before uploading
  • Good for verifying location accuracy

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 than photo GPS, especially indoors. For best results, stand outside with a clear view of the sky.
Tip: Concerned about privacy? Location settings are only needed while you take photos for your checkpoints. Once your game has been created and all checkpoint photos are uploaded, you can simply revert the settings back to what they were before. The GPS coordinates are already embedded in the photo files — 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 Photo Mode:
    • Take a photo with your camera
    • Upload it to the test page
    • Check if GPS coordinates are displayed
  3. Test Browser Mode:
    • Switch to Browser location mode
    • Allow location access when prompted
    • Check if your current position appears on the map
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: Enable camera location (see instructions above) and retake photos
  • Alternative: Use Browser mode instead

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 can visit all locations before setup Photo EXIF (take photos, upload later)
You’re setting up while visiting locations Either method works
Your photos don’t have GPS data Browser Geolocation
You want maximum accuracy Photo EXIF (taken outdoors)
You need to upload many photos at once Photo EXIF

Best Practices

  • Always test first – Use the Location Test Page before starting setup
  • Take photos outdoors – GPS works best with clear sky view
  • Don’t edit photos – Cropping or editing may remove GPS data
  • Use original photos – Screenshots and downloaded images won’t have location
  • Verify each checkpoint – Check the map in the Checkpoints step to confirm positions
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