# Location Tracking Technologies

## FileWave location reporting

FileWave location reporting is disabled by default. Before enabling it, confirm that the workflow follows your organization's privacy policy, acceptable use policy, and local requirements. Notify users in advance and test the permission prompt on each platform in scope. See [Location Tracking](https://kb.filewave.com/books/filewave-client/chapter/location-tracking "Location Tracking") for setup and operating guidance.

## How FileWave obtains and displays location

FileWave requests location through the operating system or platform service available on each managed device. The platform decides which sources are available and how precise the reported location can be.

### Map display

- FileWave displays reported coordinates with map data from [Thunderforest](https://www.thunderforest.com/ "Thunderforest").

### Platform location sources

- **macOS and Windows:** The FileWave Client uses platform positioning sources through [Qt Positioning](https://doc.qt.io/qt-6/location-positioning-cpp.html "Qt Positioning").
- **Windows:** Available sources are exposed through the [Windows Location API](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/locationapi/windows-location-api-portal "Windows Location API") and Windows privacy controls.
- **iOS and iPadOS:** Apple [Core Location](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/corelocation "Apple Core Location") supplies the location allowed by the device and user permissions.
- **ChromeOS:** Google location services supply the location available to the managed Chromebook.

## Related Content

- [Location Tracking](https://kb.filewave.com/books/filewave-client/chapter/location-tracking "Location Tracking")