GPS Location

Use your device's GPS to capture location data in GetCost. Record coordinates for job sites and track your location while working.

Capturing GPS Location

The mobile app can read your device's GPS coordinates and record your current location. This is useful for documenting where work is being performed.

What GPS Captures

  • Latitude and longitude of your current position
  • Location data is sent to the server with a timestamp
  • Can be used in templates as a form element

Automatic Photo Geocoding

When you upload photos that contain GPS coordinates (from your phone's camera), GetCost automatically converts those coordinates into a street address. This runs in the background so you don't have to do anything extra.

What Gets Extracted

  • Street number — the house or building number
  • Street — the road or street name
  • Locality — the city, town, or village

How It Works

  • Photos taken with a phone camera usually embed GPS coordinates in the image metadata (EXIF data).
  • After the photo is uploaded, GetCost reads the latitude and longitude from the metadata.
  • A background process uses a reverse geocoding service to look up the address for those coordinates.
  • The street number, street name, and locality are saved automatically with the upload.
Note: Geocoding happens automatically in the background and may take a few moments after the photo is uploaded. Not all photos contain GPS data — for example, screenshots or images downloaded from the web typically do not.
Tip: Make sure location services are enabled on your phone's camera so that GPS coordinates are embedded in your photos. This lets GetCost automatically record where each photo was taken.

GPS in Templates

Templates can include a GPS Location element that lets users capture their current coordinates when filling out an estimate.

  1. Find the GPS Field

    When using a template with a GPS element, you'll see a Capture GPS button.

  2. Tap Capture GPS

    Tap the button to read your current location. The app will request your latitude and longitude from the device.

  3. Location is Recorded

    Once captured, the GPS coordinates are saved with the estimate. A success indicator confirms the location was recorded.

Note: GPS accuracy depends on your device and environment. Outdoor locations typically provide more accurate results than indoor ones.

Location Permissions

Your device must grant GetCost permission to access location services before GPS features will work.

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Mobile App

The app will ask for location permission the first time you use a GPS feature. You can also enable it in your device's app settings.

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Web Browser

The web version uses your browser's geolocation API. Allow location access when your browser prompts you.

Tip: If GPS capture isn't working, check that location services are enabled in your device settings and that GetCost has permission to access your location.