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      Mapware Error: Photos Don't have GPS Data

      This article will help a user troubleshoot common issues associated with EXIF and Mapware photo compatibilities.

      Mapware Error: Photos don't have GPS Data 

      When uploading imagery, Mapware users will sometimes see the following error message(s): "This image cannot be processed because it is missing altitude, longitude, and latitude. Please delete and reupload the image" 

      Example Error

      The Mapware Technical Support Team is very familiar with this error, as it is usually caused by 1 of 3 different reasons: 
      1. The images do not contain sufficient EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) data - EXIF data is data that is recorded by the camera and assigned to individual photos after each capture. This data usually contains geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude),  as well as information about the capture itself (e.g. exposure, resolution, ISO speed, etc). In order for Mapware to successfully process photos, it is vital that all images have latitude, longitude, and altitude coordinates. If an image is missing this information, then it cannot be used and must be removed from the project. See the KBA for deleting photos. 
      2. The images were taken at the ground level - on many occasions, Mapware users will upload images that were captured at the ground level, meaning that the drone was physically sitting on the ground when the image was taken. This process is understandable, as most pilots enjoy taking a reference, or test photo before commencing a mission or flight operation. Unfortunately, the Mapware Engine will have a hard time processing this photo and similar photos in the batch. Please ensure that all ground photos are removed before uploading and that the photos pertaining to a project reflect those taken during flight. 
      3. The images were not taken by a drone - sometimes, Mapware users will upload photos taken via cell phone. Often, these photos do not contain the proper EXIF data needed to be successfully registered and processed by our photogrammetry engine. Additionally, many of these photos are also taken at the ground level. For the optimal user experience, we recommend that Mapware users upload only photos taken via drone or by a drone-equipped payload (e.g. Wiris, PhaseOne, Sony A7R).