Verify GPS coordinates before submitting
It wasn't until I had my first batch of portals come online that I realize that my GPS was way off when I submitted the pictures. Here is the best way to make sure that you're portals submissions are in the right place.
Step 1 - Make sure Share Picture Location is On
I'll admit that some of the portals I submitted didn't have GPS because I forgot to turn it on when I got a new phone. In order to make sure your GPS on camera app is enabled (Open Camera > Settings > Store location > ON; you may also need to turn on Settings > Location services >Share Picture Location, if available).
Step 2 - Update GPS
Make sure your GPS is updated before you take the picture. GPS on most phones will not automatically update unless you are actively using an application that requires it. So before you take the picture use one of these steps to make sure your GPS is up to date.
- Bring up Ingress - There is a reason it takes time for Ingress to update when you bring it up, it's figuring out your latest GPS coordinates and making the appropriate updates. So bringing up Ingress will actually show you exactly where your portal will appear if it is accepted.
- Bring up Google Maps - This does the same thing as bringing up Ingress, although it has less to do especially if there happen to be a lot of portals around so it can be a much faster option.
- Run an app that continuously updates GPS - I have not utilized this option personally but I've been told it works quite well. CardioTrainer will continuously poll your GPS location in order to keep track of distance traveled so if you have that running it should have you in the correct location to take the picture.
Step 3- Take the Picture
Should be self explanatory
Step 4 - Verify Picture GPS Settings
Depending on your phone if you have correctly enabled your Share Picture Location then there should be an option on your image to "Show on Map" which will bring up Google Maps with a pointer to the location of the photo. Another useful tool for this step is GeoTag which will allow you to update the GPS location of a photo and view the location on a map if your phone will not allow that natively.
Include a description - UPDATED
+Ingress has confirmed:
The emails you send us should be in English, but the portals and portal names don't need to be in English. We're looking for good descriptive titles, good geodata or location info, and if it isn't clear from the photo, some explanation of the cultural significance, public artwork, unique architecture, etc. For example, a photo of the Eiffel Tower is straightforward. A photo of a residential area could depict a historical home or historical site, or it could also just be a random photo. Providing some context is helpful.
The emails you send us should be in English, but the portals and portal names don't need to be in English. We're looking for good descriptive titles, good geodata or location info, and if it isn't clear from the photo, some explanation of the cultural significance, public artwork, unique architecture, etc. For example, a photo of the Eiffel Tower is straightforward. A photo of a residential area could depict a historical home or historical site, or it could also just be a random photo. Providing some context is helpful.
Name the Portal Well
If possible use the real name of the object you're submitting. Obviously this isn't always possible, because sometimes art is not labeled. But do you're best because often the real name can be found when Googled, which makes it easier on the person verifying.
Portal Suggestions
Here is a site that might help you find interesting things in your area (US only I think):
