Two ways to document a situation
Security Parking allows you to take a photograph directly from the application or use an image previously saved in your phone’s gallery.
In most situations, taking the photograph directly is the simplest method. However, the gallery can be useful when the phone’s camera application offers additional controls or when conditions make taking a photograph from within the application less convenient.
Both methods can be combined in the same case file.
Why must the initial record be created on site?
The number plate recognition and geolocation of the report are performed when the information is recorded in Security Parking.
It is therefore important to be physically present at the location when adding the first photograph and creating the case file. An image stored in the gallery must not be used to create a report later from another location.
Whenever possible, the first photograph should be taken directly from the application. This allows the case file to be opened immediately and the recognised number plate to be checked before continuing.
When should you take a live photograph?
A photograph taken directly from the application is generally preferable when:
- The number plate is sufficiently well lit and clearly visible.
- The weather conditions allow the phone to be used easily.
- The vehicle, parking space and relevant elements can be photographed without difficulty.
- You want to create the case file immediately without switching to another application.
This method reduces the number of steps and allows you to check the information suggested by Security Parking immediately.
When can the gallery be useful?
The gallery may be preferable when adding certain complementary photographs.
When a flash is required
In a dark car park, at night or in an underground garage, the phone’s usual camera application may offer better control over the flash, focus or exposure.
You can take the photograph with the phone’s camera and then add it to the case file from the gallery.
Make sure that the number plate remains readable. A flash that is too strong can cause reflections on the plate and make the characters difficult to distinguish.
When a wider view is useful
A wider photograph can help explain the layout of the car park, the position of the space, the signage or the access points.
The vehicle does not necessarily need to appear in this particular image, especially when it is intended to show:
- The entrance to the car park and its sign.
- The general position of the signage.
- The number or marking of a parking space.
- The arrangement of the different areas within the car park.
- A sign whose wording needs to be photographed at close range.
Such a photograph complements the report but does not replace an image showing the vehicle in the relevant parking space.
When it is raining or conditions are difficult
In rain, snow or other difficult conditions, it may be more practical to take the necessary photographs quickly with the phone’s usual camera application.
The images can then be selected from the gallery to complete the case file more comfortably. The initial record must nevertheless be created while you are still on site so that the geolocation remains consistent with the reported situation.
Remember to protect your phone and never place yourself in danger to obtain a photograph.
When several attempts are needed
It may be helpful to take several photographs in succession before selecting the clearest ones:
- A sharp photograph of the number plate.
- A view of the entire vehicle.
- A wider view of the parking space.
- A photograph of the signage.
The gallery allows you to choose the most useful images and exclude photographs that are blurred, too dark or repetitive.
Use only photographs relating to the report
Images added from the gallery must correspond to the situation that was actually observed and must have been taken on that occasion.
Avoid using:
- An older photograph of the same vehicle.
- An image taken during a different parking event.
- A photograph modified in a way that changes or conceals the context.
- An image received from another person when you cannot verify its origin or the circumstances in which it was taken.
An automatic brightness or orientation correction made by the phone is generally not problematic. However, the content of the image should not be altered.
Check the case file before saving it
Whether the photographs were taken directly or added from the gallery, always check the following:
- Does the recognised number plate match the visible plate?
- Is the photograph sufficiently sharp?
- Can the vehicle and parking space be clearly identified?
- Is the relevant signage readable or understandable?
- Do all the images relate to the same reported situation?
- Are you still at the location when creating the initial record?
This verification reduces errors and makes the case file easier to process later.
Combining both methods
You do not have to choose exclusively between live photographs and the gallery.
In many cases, the best solution is to take the first photograph directly in Security Parking and then complete the case file with images from the gallery when a flash, a wider view or better photographic conditions are required.
The essential points are to be on site when creating the initial record and to provide photographs that are current, consistent and complementary.