Geotagging Pictures

Andy · 07-07-2008, 10:19 AM

Anyone using their GPS to geotag pictures?

I've heard of RoboGEO, but I'd like to hear what else is out there.

There are stand-alone keychain size GPS devices that do this, but not many are on the market and the ones I've found don't have very good reviews.

Microsoft has a free photo geotagging program called Pro Photo Tools. It's available here.

I've played with it a little and it seems to work ok.

I see the keychain size ones as a good thing if you are some one who doesn't always carry a gps. Adding a second builky device when you're already carrying a camera seems like overkill at times.

therock · 07-07-2008, 2:51 PM

I do. See link in my signature. Choose the "Wildlife Project" button and you will see "View in google maps or google earth" buttons.

I was using the Globalsat BT-335 but am getting deep into the woods and needed to go to the 60csx.

It works pretty good. I'll sell it to you at a savings if you like the reviews. It's accurate, aquires fast and transfers files bluetooth only. It's also very confiurable. Look over the posts on gpspassion.com.

Max · 07-07-2008, 2:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy

I see the keychain size ones as a good thing if you are some one who doesn't always carry a gps. Adding a second builky device when you're already carrying a camera seems like overkill at times.

I'm not...but will be soon I hope.

The nice part of the keychain deal is that it's put in your memory card and it's a done deal. No thought required

Keith · 07-07-2008, 2:54 PM

I'm still not following how an external device can record the location of each picture you take on your camera...

Max · 07-07-2008, 3:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith

I'm still not following how an external device can record the location of each picture you take on your camera...

Assuming time is kept the same on your Camera or memory card, and the other device gets it from satellite...you plugin your card at the end of the day and it matches by time.

Granted, it would probably have holes for someone like therock who I'm guessing takes a ton of photos at a whack, but for Joe consumer it would work out ok, maybe.

Max · 07-07-2008, 3:14 PM

I want an app for my smartphone that does this, btw...and don't tell me to go android or iphone

Keith · 07-07-2008, 3:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max

Assuming time is kept the same on your Camera or memory card, and the other device gets it from satellite...you plugin your card at the end of the day and it matches by time.

Granted, it would probably have holes for someone like therock who I'm guessing takes a ton of photos at a whack, but for Joe consumer it would work out ok, maybe.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. On most cameras you can't set the time down to the second, so you could be a minute off. If you're taking pictures from a moving vehicle, it could over a mile off.

Max · 07-07-2008, 4:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith

If you're taking pictures from a moving vehicle, it could over a mile off.

I figured that would be an unmentionable

therock · 07-07-2008, 4:52 PM

It's not hard to sync the times between the logging device and the camera within a second.
Shooting from a car you are on your own with any kind of device.
As for his specific answer, the GPS records the time and location data and the camera records the time in it's exif data file. It's a matter of matching the times to each other to sort and geo tag them to the locations.
My camera can shoot 6.5 frames a second so the device will have all the frames geo tagged pretty close. My camera loggs the times in 1/10 sec.
but, to avoid this clutter you first view, and cull your unwanted images then run a geo tagging program. Once you see them in google maps or earth you can edit the map and drag the markers to fine tune the locations.
If I take an image of a subject at 1/2 mile the geo tag will be 1/2 mile off because it tags to where the GPS is located. I still have enough memory brain cells to be able to drag and drop to correct the subjects location. You look at the image on the map and zoom out and edit the marker.

Below is an example of a camera exif file.

File name
IMG_9713.CR2
Camera Model Name
Canon EOS 40D
Firmware
Firmware Version 1.0.5
Shooting Date/Time
7/3/2008 06:42:59
Tv(Shutter Speed)
1/250Sec.
Av(Aperture Value)
F8.0
Metering Modes
Centerweighted average metering
Exposure Compensation
-1/3
ISO Speed
1600
Lens
EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Focal Length
70.0 mm
Image size
3888 x 2592
Image Quality
RAW
Flash
Off
White Balance
Daylight
AF mode
One-Shot AF
Picture Style
Neutral
Parameters
Tone Curve : Standard
Sharpness level : -
Pattern Sharpness : -
Contrast : 0
Sharpness : 0
Color saturation : 0
Color tone : 0
Long exposure noise reduction : Disable
High ISO speed noise reduction : Disable
Highlight tone priority : Disable
Color matrix
-
Color Space
sRGB
File Size
13636 KB
Dust Delete Data
No
Drive Mode
High-speed continuous shooting
GPS Data
Satellite signal status : -
Date(UTC) : -
Latitude : -
Longitude : -
Altitude : -
Geographic coordinate system : -
Owner's Name
xxxxxxxxxxx
Camera Body No.
xxxxxxxxxxx

Keith · 07-07-2008, 5:54 PM

Yeah, I'm familiar with the EXIF information. Just seems like an unexact science at this point, until cameras have built in GPS I guess.

Andy · 07-07-2008, 9:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max

I want an app for my smartphone that does this, btw...and don't tell me to go android or iphone

Googling that came up with this.

Betavine - Application Profile - SunsetGPSLogger

Andy · 07-07-2008, 9:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by therock

I do. See link in my signature. Choose the "Wildlife Project" button and you will see "View in google maps or google earth" buttons.

I was using the Globalsat BT-335 but am getting deep into the woods and needed to go to the 60csx.

It works pretty good. I'll sell it to you at a savings if you like the reviews. It's accurate, aquires fast and transfers files bluetooth only. It's also very confiurable. Look over the posts on gpspassion.com.

Since it transfer files bluetooth only, I take it you need either a camera with bluetooth, or a bluetooth receiver on your computer to retrieve the log. I don't have anything with bluetooth that would work with it. I have a Nikon D40.

The specs on it say it has a SiRF chipset. Are you having trouble with reception in the woods or do you need navigational function of the 60CSx?

therock · 07-07-2008, 9:49 PM

@ Andy,

No trouble, I just need to know where I am. The Whitetail deer Bucks antlers here are in velvet here and I am really wanting a shot. I jump them here and there and want to try and follow or head them off and wait. I need more than logging.

To bad about your Nikon model not being in the list in the following link. I have been drooling over a logger like this one for my Canon but no cigar yet.

Geomet'r GPS Receiver for Nikon D200, D300, D2X, D2Xs, D2Hs, D3 and Fujifilm S5 Pro DSLR Cameras (GNC-35) (Free Bean Bag Tripod with Purchase) - Cable GPS Receiver

Andy · 07-07-2008, 11:29 PM

I gotcha. That little logger in the link is nice since it's so small and looks to be powered from the camera. Maybe someday I'll upgrade but for now the D40 works just fine for my use.

Max · 07-07-2008, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy

Googling that came up with this.

Betavine - Application Profile - SunsetGPSLogger

Only downside is it looks like I need to be a vodafone customer for that

Thanks for the link though, Im going to see where else I can find it

dav · 07-08-2008, 6:49 PM

Andy, you mention "something other than RoboGEO", but figured I should let you know that is what I use and that I'm pleased with it.

And the program interpolates... so if the picture is taken between two points you have logged, it knows enough to put it between those points.

And the camera and GPS do not have to be EXACTLY coordinated. The program finds the picture time then it finds the closest GPS time and matches to that.

I always carry a camera in the field, whether I have a GPS or not. So I do not consider carrying two devices significant.

Andy · 07-09-2008, 7:53 AM

re: RoboGEO, I just meant that I had seen that one, not that it was a bad product. I'm going to give it or the MS program a try with my 76CSx and see how it works.

leland · 07-18-2008, 1:10 PM

Is anyone using an automotive gps for this purpose? Any suggestions for one that works best? Basically I want to make a map of my roadtrip, and might as well geotag any pictures I take on the way (if I'm a mile or two off, that's fine).

therock · 07-18-2008, 1:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leland

Is anyone using an automotive gps for this purpose? Any suggestions for one that works best? Basically I want to make a map of my roadtrip, and might as well geotag any pictures I take on the way (if I'm a mile or two off, that's fine).

Yes, If you have a GPS that has track log export capabilities all you need to do is sync the clocks on your camera and GPS and use a program that will match them up.

ninja279 · 07-18-2008, 8:28 PM

Have a look at ( iTravel Tech Co. Inc. ).

I use this with my IPAQ rx5915 PDA GPS, it is good as long as you don't expect to log for more the 2hrs straight when running on battery.

leland · 07-21-2008, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by therock

Yes, If you have a GPS that has track log export capabilities all you need to do is sync the clocks on your camera and GPS and use a program that will match them up.

Is there a good way to search for that feature? I'm trying to find out which of the budget automotive models (sub $200) have that feature as that would be a big selling point for me. Even if I don't use it to geotag it would be fun to make little roadtrip maps.

Andy · 07-21-2008, 8:12 AM

I've requested Garmin add a list of features on their site for just this reason. Right now the only way I've found to see if a device has a tracklog is to click on each one on Garmin's site and check the specs. It will say something like "10000 points", meaning it can store that many dots of a bread-crumb like track.

07-07-2008, 10:19 AM	#1
Andy Survey Says? Join Date: Dec 29 2006 Location: Monterey, CA Posts: 681	Geotagging Pictures Anyone using their GPS to geotag pictures? I've heard of RoboGEO, but I'd like to hear what else is out there. There are stand-alone keychain size GPS devices that do this, but not many are on the market and the ones I've found don't have very good reviews. Microsoft has a free photo geotagging program called Pro Photo Tools. It's available here. I've played with it a little and it seems to work ok. I see the keychain size ones as a good thing if you are some one who doesn't always carry a gps. Adding a second builky device when you're already carrying a camera seems like overkill at times.

07-07-2008, 2:51 PM	#2
therock Join Date: Jul 06 2008 Location: North Georgia Posts: 25	Re: Geotagging Pictures I do. See link in my signature. Choose the "Wildlife Project" button and you will see "View in google maps or google earth" buttons. I was using the Globalsat BT-335 but am getting deep into the woods and needed to go to the 60csx. It works pretty good. I'll sell it to you at a savings if you like the reviews. It's accurate, aquires fast and transfers files bluetooth only. It's also very confiurable. Look over the posts on gpspassion.com. __________________ Wildlife Photographer Garmin GPSMAP 60csx

07-07-2008, 2:54 PM	#4
Keith Administrator Join Date: Dec 27 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC Age: 36 Posts: 238	Re: Geotagging Pictures I'm still not following how an external device can record the location of each picture you take on your camera... __________________ My Blog

07-07-2008, 3:14 PM	#6
Max 'tis the season for seat time Join Date: Dec 28 2006 Location: Near Boston, Ma. Posts: 876 Blog Entries: 2	Re: Geotagging Pictures I want an app for my smartphone that does this, btw...and don't tell me to go android or iphone __________________ Nothing free is good, nothing good is free.

07-07-2008, 4:52 PM	#9
therock Join Date: Jul 06 2008 Location: North Georgia Posts: 25	Re: Geotagging Pictures It's not hard to sync the times between the logging device and the camera within a second. Shooting from a car you are on your own with any kind of device. As for his specific answer, the GPS records the time and location data and the camera records the time in it's exif data file. It's a matter of matching the times to each other to sort and geo tag them to the locations. My camera can shoot 6.5 frames a second so the device will have all the frames geo tagged pretty close. My camera loggs the times in 1/10 sec. but, to avoid this clutter you first view, and cull your unwanted images then run a geo tagging program. Once you see them in google maps or earth you can edit the map and drag the markers to fine tune the locations. If I take an image of a subject at 1/2 mile the geo tag will be 1/2 mile off because it tags to where the GPS is located. I still have enough memory brain cells to be able to drag and drop to correct the subjects location. You look at the image on the map and zoom out and edit the marker. Below is an example of a camera exif file. File name IMG_9713.CR2 Camera Model Name Canon EOS 40D Firmware Firmware Version 1.0.5 Shooting Date/Time 7/3/2008 06:42:59 Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/250Sec. Av(Aperture Value) F8.0 Metering Modes Centerweighted average metering Exposure Compensation -1/3 ISO Speed 1600 Lens EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Focal Length 70.0 mm Image size 3888 x 2592 Image Quality RAW Flash Off White Balance Daylight AF mode One-Shot AF Picture Style Neutral Parameters Tone Curve : Standard Sharpness level : - Pattern Sharpness : - Contrast : 0 Sharpness : 0 Color saturation : 0 Color tone : 0 Long exposure noise reduction : Disable High ISO speed noise reduction : Disable Highlight tone priority : Disable Color matrix - Color Space sRGB File Size 13636 KB Dust Delete Data No Drive Mode High-speed continuous shooting GPS Data Satellite signal status : - Date(UTC) : - Latitude : - Longitude : - Altitude : - Geographic coordinate system : - Owner's Name xxxxxxxxxxx Camera Body No. xxxxxxxxxxx __________________ Wildlife Photographer Garmin GPSMAP 60csx Last edited by therock; 07-07-2008 at 5:11 PM.

07-07-2008, 5:54 PM	#10
Keith Administrator Join Date: Dec 27 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC Age: 36 Posts: 238	Re: Geotagging Pictures Yeah, I'm familiar with the EXIF information. Just seems like an unexact science at this point, until cameras have built in GPS I guess. __________________ My Blog

07-07-2008, 9:49 PM	#13
therock Join Date: Jul 06 2008 Location: North Georgia Posts: 25	Re: Geotagging Pictures @ Andy, No trouble, I just need to know where I am. The Whitetail deer Bucks antlers here are in velvet here and I am really wanting a shot. I jump them here and there and want to try and follow or head them off and wait. I need more than logging. To bad about your Nikon model not being in the list in the following link. I have been drooling over a logger like this one for my Canon but no cigar yet. Geomet'r GPS Receiver for Nikon D200, D300, D2X, D2Xs, D2Hs, D3 and Fujifilm S5 Pro DSLR Cameras (GNC-35) (Free Bean Bag Tripod with Purchase) - Cable GPS Receiver __________________ Wildlife Photographer Garmin GPSMAP 60csx

07-07-2008, 11:29 PM	#14
Andy Survey Says? Join Date: Dec 29 2006 Location: Monterey, CA Posts: 681	Re: Geotagging Pictures I gotcha. That little logger in the link is nice since it's so small and looks to be powered from the camera. Maybe someday I'll upgrade but for now the D40 works just fine for my use.

07-08-2008, 6:49 PM	#16
dav Join Date: Jan 04 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 527	Re: Geotagging Pictures Andy, you mention "something other than RoboGEO", but figured I should let you know that is what I use and that I'm pleased with it. And the program interpolates... so if the picture is taken between two points you have logged, it knows enough to put it between those points. And the camera and GPS do not have to be EXACTLY coordinated. The program finds the picture time then it finds the closest GPS time and matches to that. I always carry a camera in the field, whether I have a GPS or not. So I do not consider carrying two devices significant.

07-09-2008, 7:53 AM	#17
Andy Survey Says? Join Date: Dec 29 2006 Location: Monterey, CA Posts: 681	Re: Geotagging Pictures re: RoboGEO, I just meant that I had seen that one, not that it was a bad product. I'm going to give it or the MS program a try with my 76CSx and see how it works.

07-18-2008, 1:10 PM	#18
leland Join Date: Jul 18 2008 Location: USA Posts: 4	Re: Geotagging Pictures Is anyone using an automotive gps for this purpose? Any suggestions for one that works best? Basically I want to make a map of my roadtrip, and might as well geotag any pictures I take on the way (if I'm a mile or two off, that's fine).

07-18-2008, 8:28 PM	#20
ninja279 Join Date: May 03 2008 Location: Chicago Posts: 49	Re: Geotagging Pictures Have a look at ( iTravel Tech Co. Inc. ). I use this with my IPAQ rx5915 PDA GPS, it is good as long as you don't expect to log for more the 2hrs straight when running on battery.

07-21-2008, 8:12 AM	#22
Andy Survey Says? Join Date: Dec 29 2006 Location: Monterey, CA Posts: 681	Re: Geotagging Pictures I've requested Garmin add a list of features on their site for just this reason. Right now the only way I've found to see if a device has a tracklog is to click on each one on Garmin's site and check the specs. It will say something like "10000 points", meaning it can store that many dots of a bread-crumb like track.