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Heightmark

THE HEIGHTMARK GUIDE

How to recover elevation from an old iPhone photo

You can recreate a Heightmark elevation mark from an original photo if it still contains coordinates, elevation, and capture time. Heightmark reads the elevation already stored in that file. It does not calculate a missing elevation from coordinates or recognize a mountain from the picture.

Step by step

  1. Choose an original

    Use an original photo from your library. A photo can show a place in Photos yet still lack the elevation tag that Heightmark needs. Being geotagged alone is not enough.

  2. Import one photo

    In Record, tap “Create from a Photo” and choose the image. Heightmark checks for coordinates, elevation, and capture time before continuing.

  3. Review the recovered reading

    The photo appears with its elevation, coordinates, and capture time. These belong to the old photo, not your current location. An internet connection can improve the place name.

  4. Save the mark

    Review the result and save it to your collection. Add a note about the visit, then open Atlas or Panorama to see it beside other places.

Why did my photo fail to import?

Missing location, elevation, or capture time prevents import. A screenshot, downloaded copy, or image sent through a messaging app may lose these fields. Try the original file. If the original never recorded an elevation, this feature cannot recover it; Heightmark will not substitute zero or today’s date.

An example photo reveals 3,776 m and its original capture time. Sample image and record.
An example photo reveals 3,776 m and its original capture time. Sample image and record.

Start your elevation journal

Recording is free. Up to 10 marks can be in your Atlas; additional marks remain saved in Not in Atlas. Optional, one-time Heightmark Pro adds every mark to your Atlas and Panorama and unlocks premium sharing templates.

Download on the App Store