Photo Validation
How Vortyk automatically flags photos missing GPS data or captions. And how to review and resolve validation warnings.
Last updated: April 18, 2026
What gets validated
| Check | Flag condition | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| GPS data | No latitude/longitude in EXIF | Photo cannot appear on the map. Reports will show "No location data." |
| Caption | No caption text added | Reports will show a blank caption field. Less useful for the reader. |
Validation runs automatically during upload (for GPS) and is reflected in the gallery view (for captions). You do not need to trigger it manually.
Reviewing flagged photos
Flagged photos are visually marked in the survey gallery. You can identify them at a glance and decide how to handle each one.
For missing GPS data:
- Check whether location services were enabled on your device when the photo was taken.
- If the photo was taken indoors, GPS may not have been available. This is expected.
- The photo is still usable in surveys and reports. It just will not appear on the map.
For missing captions:
- Open the photo and add a caption. See Photo Captions for best practices.
- If the photo does not need a caption (e.g., a general context shot), you can leave it blank.
Why validation matters
Complete reports
Reports with GPS coordinates and captions are more useful to your clients. A photo labeled "North wall crack, second floor" with a map pin at the exact location tells a clear story. A photo with no caption and no location leaves the reader guessing.
Compliance documentation
Some industries require GPS-stamped, captioned photo documentation for compliance. Validation helps you catch gaps before you deliver a report.
Professional quality
Flagging incomplete photos is a quality control step. It takes a few minutes to review and fix, but the result is a polished, professional report your clients can trust.
Tips
- Enable location services before every field visit. This is the most common cause of missing GPS data.
- Caption photos the same day you take them. Details are fresh and captioning goes faster.
- Review flagged photos before generating a report. Catch and fix gaps while the context is still in your mind.