# cv::error: (-215:Assertion failed) !goturnModel.empty() in function 'init'

- **ID:** `opencv/tracker-goturn-initialization-failed`
- **Domain:** opencv
- **Category:** runtime_error
- **Error Code:** `-215`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 82%

## Root Cause

GOTURN tracker requires a pre-trained model file (prototxt and caffemodel) that is either missing or not loaded correctly.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| 4.5.3 | active | — | — |
| 4.6.0 | active | — | — |
| 4.7.0 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Download GOTURN model files (goturn.prototxt and goturn.caffemodel) from https://github.com/opencv/opencv_extra/tree/master/testdata/tracking and place them in the current working directory or set OPENCV_GOTURN_MODEL_PATH environment variable.** (90% success)
   ```
   Download GOTURN model files (goturn.prototxt and goturn.caffemodel) from https://github.com/opencv/opencv_extra/tree/master/testdata/tracking and place them in the current working directory or set OPENCV_GOTURN_MODEL_PATH environment variable.
   ```
2. **Use a different tracker (e.g., CSRT or KCF) if GOTURN model download is not feasible.** (95% success)
   ```
   Use a different tracker (e.g., CSRT or KCF) if GOTURN model download is not feasible.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Reinstalling OpenCV without downloading GOTURN model** — GOTURN model is not bundled with OpenCV; must be downloaded separately from opencv_extra or official repository. (90% fail)
- **Setting cv2.TrackerGOTURN_create() with no arguments** — The function does not accept model paths; model must be placed in a specific location or set via environment variable. (70% fail)