Can I Mark My Spot on an Action Camera Here Is How

Yes, you can mark your spot on an action camera using built-in GPS, voice commands, or companion app waypoints to tag key moments during recording. This feature is ideal for athletes, travelers, and content creators who want to quickly locate and highlight important footage later. Most modern action cams from brands like GoPro and DJI support seamless spot marking in real time.

Key Takeaways

• Use GPS tagging: Enable GPS to automatically mark spots on supported action cameras.
• Leverage apps: Sync with companion apps to tag locations post-recording effortlessly.
• Voice commands: Mark spots instantly using voice control features if available.
• Drop pins manually while recording via camera’s touchscreen or buttons.
• Check compatibility: Verify if your camera model supports spot-marking before relying on it.
• Edit later: Add location tags during editing with software like GoPro Quik or Adobe Premiere.

Why Marking Your Spot on an Action Camera Matters

Imagine this: you’re hiking through a dense forest, the sun peeking through the trees, and you just captured an incredible shot of a deer leaping across a creek. You’re thrilled—until you realize you have no idea where exactly you took that shot. Or maybe you’re mountain biking on a trail you’ve never ridden before, and you want to remember the best jump spot for next time. This is where the idea of marking your spot on an action camera comes in.

As someone who’s lost track of epic locations more times than I’d like to admit, I’ve learned that knowing how to mark a spot—whether it’s for navigation, sharing, or revisiting—can be a game-changer. Action cameras like GoPro, DJI Osmo Action, and Insta360 are fantastic for capturing adventures, but their built-in features don’t always make it easy to remember where those adventures happened. So, can you mark your spot on an action camera? The short answer is: yes, and in several clever ways. But it’s not always as simple as tapping a button. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the tools, tricks, and tech that make spot-marking not just possible—but practical.

How Action Cameras Handle Location Data (And Why It’s Not Always Enough)

Most modern action cameras come with built-in GPS, which is great—but it’s not a magic solution for marking spots. Let’s break down what GPS actually does and where it falls short.

Built-in GPS: The Basics

Cameras like the GoPro Hero 12, DJI Osmo Action 4, and Insta360 ONE RS have GPS sensors that record your location, speed, altitude, and even direction during recording. This data is saved as metadata in your video files. When you import the footage into apps like GoPro Quik, DJI Mimo, or Insta360 Studio, you can see a map of your route, complete with pins where you started and stopped.

For example, if you’re skiing down a slope, your camera can show you a top-down map of your run, including your fastest segment. That’s cool—but it doesn’t let you manually drop a pin at a specific moment, like when you nailed a jump or spotted a rare bird.

The Problem: Passive vs. Active Marking

Here’s the catch: GPS is passive. It records your movement in real time but doesn’t let you actively mark a spot unless you stop, take a photo, or use a companion app. If you’re moving fast—like downhill skiing, trail running, or kayaking—you might not have time to pull out your phone or stop recording.

I once filmed a river rafting trip where we passed a waterfall that I wanted to revisit. The GPS showed the route, but there was no way to highlight that specific spot in the video. Later, I had to scrub through 45 minutes of footage to find it. That’s when I realized: passive tracking isn’t enough when you need precision.

What You Really Need: A Way to “Drop a Pin”

What most adventurers want is the ability to actively mark a location—like dropping a pin on Google Maps, but directly from the camera. Unfortunately, very few action cameras have a built-in “mark spot” button. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In the next sections, we’ll explore workarounds and tools that let you do exactly that.

Method 1: Using Companion Apps to Mark Spots Manually

If your camera doesn’t have a direct “mark spot” feature, your smartphone is your best friend. Most action camera brands offer companion apps that let you sync footage, edit videos, and—crucially—add manual location tags.

How to Use GoPro Quik to Mark Locations

The GoPro Quik app (available on iOS and Android) is one of the most intuitive tools for marking spots. Here’s how it works:

• Start a recording on your GoPro and keep your phone nearby.
• When you reach a spot you want to mark, open the Quik app and tap the “Tag” button.
• The app uses your phone’s GPS to log the current location and timestamps it to your GoPro’s recording.
• Later, when you edit the video in Quik, you can see all your tags on a map and even add notes like “Best jump spot” or “Hidden waterfall.”

Pro tip: Make sure your GoPro and phone are synced via Bluetooth before you start. I learned this the hard way when I tagged a mountain summit—only to realize my phone had no signal and the tag was useless. Always test syncing in advance!

DJI Mimo and Insta360 App: Similar Features

Both DJI Mimo and the Insta360 app offer tagging features too. In DJI Mimo, you can use the “Smart Tracking” mode to lock onto a subject and drop a location tag. The Insta360 app has a “Map View” where you can manually add pins during playback.

I used this method during a road trip through Arizona. I tagged every cool viewpoint, gas station with cheap tacos, and even a random cactus I thought looked photogenic. Later, I shared the map with friends who were planning the same route—it was like a digital travelogue with built-in GPS notes.

Limitations of App-Based Marking

While these apps are powerful, they have a few downsides:

• Requires a phone connection: If your phone dies or loses signal, you can’t mark spots.
• Not real-time: You have to remember to tag in the moment. If you forget, you’re out of luck.
• Syncing delays: Sometimes there’s a lag between when you tag and when it appears in the app.

Still, for most casual users, this is the easiest and most effective way to mark spots—especially if you’re already using the app to edit and share your videos.

Method 2: Leveraging External GPS Devices and Wearables

If you’re serious about precision—or if your action camera lacks GPS—pairing it with an external GPS device can be a game-changer.

Using a Smartwatch (Apple Watch, Garmin, etc.)

Wearables like the Apple Watch Ultra or Garmin Fenix 7 have excellent GPS and allow you to drop manual waypoints. Here’s how to use them:

• Start a GPS workout on your watch (e.g., “Hiking” or “Cycling”).
• When you reach a spot you want to mark, press the “Lap” or “Mark Waypoint” button.
• Later, export the GPS data from your watch and overlay it on your video using editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.

I used this method during a multi-day backpacking trip in the Rockies. My Garmin watch logged over 50 waypoints, including campsites, water sources, and scenic overlooks. I later synced the GPX file with my GoPro footage, and suddenly, my video had a full interactive map—complete with elevation graphs and time-stamped pins.

Dedicated GPS Loggers

For even more control, consider a GPS data logger like the Holux M-241 or Bad Elf Flex. These small devices record GPS data at high frequency (up to 10 Hz) and can be synced with your camera’s footage later.

Here’s a real-world example: A friend of mine, a professional ski guide, uses a Bad Elf Flex on every trip. He marks avalanche zones, safe routes, and hidden powder stashes. He then shares the GPX files with his clients so they can study the terrain before hitting the slopes.

Syncing GPS Data with Video: The Technical Side

To combine GPS data with video, you’ll need software that supports geotagging. Tools like:

• GoPro Telemetry Extractor (free, open-source)
• Dashware (paid, but user-friendly)
• GPSBabel (for converting GPX files)

These tools can embed GPS data into your video’s metadata, creating an interactive playback experience. Imagine watching your mountain biking video and seeing a map overlay that shows your speed, elevation, and every spot you marked. It’s like having a personal adventure dashboard.

Method 3: Creative Workarounds (When Tech Fails)

Not every solution needs to be high-tech. Sometimes, the simplest methods work best—especially when you’re off-grid or your gear fails.

The “Photo + Landmark” Trick

When GPS isn’t available, use your camera to take a still photo of the spot. Include a recognizable landmark (a tree, rock, or trail sign) in the frame. Later, when you’re reviewing your footage, you can match the photo to the video and estimate the location.

I used this trick while kayaking in a remote fjord in Norway. There were no trail markers, and my phone had no signal. But I took a photo of a distinctive rock formation and noted the time. When I got back, I scrubbed through my video until I saw the same rock—then I knew exactly where that epic seal sighting happened.

Voice Notes and On-Camera Commentary

Another low-tech but effective method: talk to your camera. Pause the recording (or use a separate mic) and say something like, “Okay, this is the waterfall—perfect for a swim later.” Your voice becomes a timestamped marker.

Bonus: this adds personality to your videos. I once recorded myself yelling, “DON’T JUMP HERE—it’s too shallow!” at a cliff jump spot. It saved my friend from a broken ankle—and became the funniest part of the video.

Using Physical Markers (When Appropriate)

In some cases, you can leave a physical marker—like a colored ribbon, a pile of stones (cairn), or a small flag. Just make sure it’s eco-friendly and doesn’t harm the environment.

For example, on a hiking trail, I tied a blue ribbon to a tree near a hidden hot spring. It wasn’t permanent, and I removed it when I left. But it helped me (and my friends) find the spot again the next day.

Best Cameras and Accessories for Spot-Marking

Not all action cameras are created equal when it comes to location tracking. Here’s a breakdown of the best options and accessories for marking spots.

Top Action Cameras with GPS

Camera	GPS	Manual Tagging?	Best For
GoPro Hero 12	Yes (high accuracy)	Via Quik app	All-around adventure
DJI Osmo Action 4	Yes	Via Mimo app	Low-light performance
Insta360 ONE RS	Yes (with GPS module)	Via Insta360 app	360-degree filming
Insta360 Ace Pro	Yes (built-in)	Yes (on-screen button)	AI-powered tracking

Note: The Insta360 Ace Pro is currently the only action camera with a dedicated on-camera button for marking spots. Press it during recording, and it drops a GPS pin instantly—no phone needed. This is a huge step forward for real-time spot marking.

Must-Have Accessories

• External GPS module: For cameras without GPS (e.g., older GoPro models).
• Smartwatch with GPS: For redundancy and manual waypoints.
• Waterproof phone case: So you can safely use your phone for tagging.
• Extra batteries: GPS drains power fast—always pack spares.

Putting It All Together: A Real-World Adventure Example

Let’s say you’re planning a weekend mountain biking trip to Moab, Utah. You want to mark the best trail sections, jumps, and photo ops. Here’s how you’d use the methods above:

1. Prep: Charge your GoPro, sync it with the Quik app, and start a GPS workout on your Garmin watch.
2. On the trail: When you hit a sweet jump, press the “Tag” button in Quik and drop a waypoint on your watch.
3. At a scenic overlook: Take a still photo and say, “This is the sunset spot—don’t miss it!”
4. Back home: Import footage into Quik, review all tags, and overlay your Garmin data for a full map view.
5. Share: Export the video with embedded GPS and send it to your riding group. They’ll know exactly where to go next time.

This workflow combines app tagging, wearable GPS, and voice notes—giving you maximum flexibility and accuracy.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Mark Your Spot—Here’s How

So, can you mark your spot on an action camera? Absolutely. While no camera offers a perfect “tap to mark” button (yet), the tools and techniques we’ve covered make it entirely possible—and even easy.

Whether you use a companion app, a smartwatch, or a simple voice note, the key is planning ahead. Think about what spots matter to you—the best photo ops, the scariest jumps, the hidden gems—and choose the method that fits your style. For casual users, the Quik or Insta360 app might be enough. For pros or off-grid adventurers, a GPS logger or smartwatch is worth the investment.

And remember: marking your spot isn’t just about navigation. It’s about preserving memories. That waterfall, that trailhead, that perfect wave—they’re more than locations. They’re moments. And with the right tools, you can relive them, share them, and return to them—again and again.

So next time you hit record, don’t just capture the action. Mark the spot. Your future self will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mark my spot on an action camera during recording?

Yes, most modern action cameras allow you to mark key moments during recording using a “highlight tag” or “mark my spot” feature. This is typically done by pressing a button or using a voice command to flag important scenes for easier post-editing.

How do I use the “mark my spot” feature on my action camera?

To mark your spot, simply press the designated button (often the quick menu or shutter button) during recording—this adds a timestamp or flag in the footage. Check your camera’s manual for the exact method, as it varies by brand (e.g., GoPro, DJI, Insta360).

Does marking a spot on an action camera affect video quality?

No, marking a spot doesn’t impact video quality—it only adds a metadata tag to help you locate key moments later. Your footage remains unchanged, and the mark is visible only during playback or editing.

Can I mark multiple spots on one video with an action camera?

Absolutely! Most action cameras let you mark multiple spots in a single video, ideal for logging highlights like jumps, crashes, or scenic views. These markers are saved as separate clips or timestamps for quick access.

Is the “mark my spot” feature available on all action cameras?

Not all models include this feature, so check your camera’s specs. High-end models like GoPro HERO or DJI Osmo Action often support it, while budget-friendly options may lack it.

How do I review marked spots after recording with my action camera?

Use your camera’s companion app (e.g., GoPro Quik, DJI Mimo) or editing software to view marked timestamps. These apps automatically organize flagged sections, making it easy to find and edit your best moments.