GeoLog – Support

Overview

GeoLog is a location-centric photo scouting and management app for iOS that helps photographers organize and revisit their favorite shooting locations. This document provides support information, troubleshooting tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Getting Help

GeoLog is developed and maintained by a solo developer. While I do my best to respond to support requests, please understand that this is a free app and support is provided on a best-effort basis.

Contact

For technical support, feature requests, or questions:

  • Email: support@alwaysphotographing.com
  • Website: https://alwaysphotographing.com

I typically respond within a few days when I have time, but please be patient during busy periods.

If You Need to Contact Me

To help me understand and address your issue more quickly, please include:

  • iOS version
  • Device model (iPhone/iPad)
  • GeoLog app version (found in Settings > About)
  • Clear description of the issue
  • Steps to reproduce the problem
  • Screenshots if helpful

Frequently Asked Questions

General Usage

Q: What is the main purpose of GeoLog?
A: GeoLog is designed to help photographers scout, document, and return to shooting locations. It organizes your photos by location first, making it easy to see all photos taken at a specific spot and plan future visits.

Q: How does GeoLog differ from the built-in Photos app?
A: While the Photos app organizes by time and albums, GeoLog organizes by location. It’s specifically designed for photographers who want to track shooting spots, add notes about lighting conditions, best times to shoot, and easily return to locations.

Q: Does GeoLog store my photos?
A: Yes, when you import photos into GeoLog, they’re copied to GeoLog’s internal app storage on your device. This means GeoLog has its own copies of the photos you import. If you enable iCloud sync, these photos can also sync to your iCloud storage so they’re available across all your devices using the same Apple ID.

Location Features

Q: How accurate is the location information?
A: Location accuracy depends on the GPS data embedded in your photos when they were taken. Photos taken with Location Services enabled will have accurate GPS coordinates. GeoLog displays locations based on this embedded metadata.

Q: Can I manually add or edit location information?
A: Currently, GeoLog uses the location data embedded in your photos. To change a photo’s location, you would need to edit it in the Photos app or using other photo management tools.

Q: Why don’t some of my photos show up in GeoLog?
A: Photos without GPS metadata (location information) won’t appear in GeoLog’s location-based organization. This typically happens when:

  • Location Services were disabled when the photo was taken
  • The photo was imported from a camera without GPS
  • Location data was stripped from the photo during editing or sharing

Privacy & Data

Q: Does GeoLog upload my photos or location data to the cloud?
A: GeoLog processes all data locally on your device and doesn’t upload anything to external servers. However, if you enable iCloud sync (optional), your photos and location data will sync to your personal iCloud account so they’re available on your other devices.

Q: What about iCloud sync?
A: iCloud sync is optional. When enabled, GeoLog stores your imported photos and location data in your personal iCloud account, making them available across all your devices signed in with the same Apple ID. This uses your iCloud storage space. If you prefer to keep everything local, simply don’t enable iCloud sync.

Q: Can I use GeoLog without granting photo library access?
A: You’ll need to grant photo library access to import photos into GeoLog. Once photos are imported, they’re stored in GeoLog’s own storage space. You can revoke photo library access after importing if you prefer, though you won’t be able to import additional photos without re-granting access.

Q: If I delete a photo from GeoLog, does it delete from my Photos app too?
A: No. GeoLog stores its own copies of imported photos. Deleting a photo from GeoLog only removes it from GeoLog’s storage – your original photo in the Photos app remains untouched.

Q: How much storage space will GeoLog use?
A: This depends on how many photos you import and their file sizes. Since GeoLog stores copies of your imported photos, importing 100 photos might use several hundred megabytes. You can manage this by only importing photos you need for location scouting.

Features & Functionality

Q: What is the exposure timer feature?
A: The exposure timer helps you track long exposures with Live Activities support and Dynamic Island integration on compatible devices. You can set custom timers and receive notifications when exposures are complete.

Q: How do I add notes to a location?
A: Tap on any location in your location list, then use the notes section to add information about lighting conditions, best times to visit, parking information, or any other relevant details.

Q: Can I export my location data?
A: [Confirm availability of this feature] You can export location information including coordinates, notes, and visit history for use in other applications or for backup purposes.

Q: Does GeoLog work offline?
A: Yes, GeoLog works completely offline. Since it uses data from your local photo library, you don’t need an internet connection to use the app.

Camera Integration

Q: Can I take photos directly in GeoLog?
A: [Confirm based on current implementation] GeoLog focuses on organizing existing photos by location. For capture, use your preferred camera app, and those photos will automatically appear in GeoLog if they have location data.

Q: Does GeoLog support multiple camera types?
A: GeoLog works with photos taken by any camera as long as they contain GPS metadata. This includes iPhone cameras, iPads, and photos from external cameras that have been imported with location data intact.

Troubleshooting

App Issues

Problem: The app crashes on launch
Solution:

  1. Force quit the app completely
  2. Restart your device
  3. Make sure you’re running a recent iOS version
  4. Check for app updates in the App Store
  5. If it still crashes, try deleting and reinstalling (you may lose local settings though)

Problem: Photos aren’t appearing in GeoLog
Solution:

  1. Make sure you’ve actually imported the photos into GeoLog (they don’t appear automatically)
  2. Verify that the photos you’re trying to import have location data (check in the Photos app)
  3. Check that GeoLog has photo library access (Settings > Privacy > Photos > GeoLog)
  4. Photos without GPS metadata won’t be available to import into GeoLog
  5. Try importing a test photo that you know has location data

Problem: Location data seems incorrect
Solution:

  1. This typically indicates inaccurate GPS data in the original photo
  2. Verify the location in the Photos app (view photo details)
  3. Check that Location Services had a clear GPS signal when the photo was taken
  4. Indoor photos or photos taken in areas with poor GPS reception may have less accurate location data

Problem: iCloud sync isn’t working
Solution:

  1. Verify you’re signed in to iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud)
  2. Ensure iCloud Drive is enabled
  3. Check that you have available iCloud storage
  4. Try signing out and back into iCloud
  5. Check your internet connection

Performance Issues

Problem: The app is running slowly
Solution:

  1. Close other apps to free up memory
  2. Restart your device
  3. If you have a very large photo library imported, operations may take time
  4. Make sure your device has sufficient free storage space

Problem: Running out of storage space
Solution: Since GeoLog stores copies of your imported photos in its own app storage, they do take up space on your device. If storage is a concern:

  1. Only import photos you actively need for location scouting
  2. You can delete photos from GeoLog without affecting your Photos app
  3. Consider using iCloud sync and removing local copies if your device supports it
  4. Regularly review and remove photos you no longer need in GeoLog

Problem: Battery drain while using GeoLog
Solution:

  1. GeoLog shouldn’t significantly impact battery life during normal use
  2. If using the exposure timer feature, background updates may use additional battery
  3. Consider adjusting exposure timer notification settings
  4. Close the app when not actively using it

Permission Issues

Problem: GeoLog is asking for location permission
Solution: GeoLog may request location permission for certain features. However, your photo locations come from embedded GPS data in your photos, not from real-time location tracking. You can deny location permission and still use core features.

Problem: Can’t grant photo library access
Solution:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Photos
  2. Find GeoLog in the list
  3. Select “Full Access” to allow GeoLog to read all photos with location data
  4. Restart the app after changing permissions

Known Limitations

  • GeoLog requires photos to have embedded GPS metadata to organize them by location
  • Photos taken without Location Services enabled won’t appear in location views
  • Location accuracy depends on GPS signal quality when photos were taken
  • Some features may be limited on older iOS devices

Feature Requests

I’m always interested in hearing how GeoLog could be more useful for your photography workflow. If you have suggestions:

  • Email me with your ideas
  • No guarantees on implementation, but I do consider all feedback
  • Features that benefit many users are more likely to be prioritized

Privacy Policy

For detailed information about how GeoLog handles your data, please review our Privacy Policy at: [Your privacy policy URL]

Version History

Current version: [Version number]

For release notes and version history, check the App Store listing or visit our website.

Additional Resources

  • User Manual: [Link to detailed user manual if available]
  • Website: https://alwaysphotographing.com
  • Other Apps: Check out our other photography apps including PhotoSlate and CameraTimeSync

Last Updated: January 2026

Quick Tips for Better Results

  1. Enable Location Services: Always have Location Services enabled for your Camera app to ensure photos have accurate GPS data
  2. Add Notes Immediately: After visiting a location, add notes while details are fresh in your mind
  3. Use Favorites: Mark your best locations as favorites for quick access
  4. Regular Organization: Periodically review locations and update notes with seasonal information
  5. Backup Your Data: If using iCloud sync, your data is backed up automatically. Otherwise, consider regular device backups

Still Need Help?

If you couldn’t find the answer here, feel free to reach out. I’m just one person maintaining this as a free app alongside other projects, so please be patient, but I do want to help if I can.

Email: [Your support email]
Website: https://alwaysphotographing.com

Thanks for using GeoLog!

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