Many modern digital cameras are capable of recording GPS location via an integrated GPS receiver which will give you spatial information on where the operator (i.e. the camera) is positioned at the time an image is taken. But what if you need accurate GPS coordinates of a distant ‘object’ within the photograph? GTS’ G700SE-M tactical GPS-enabled cameras and GPS Modules work seamlessly with TruPulse laser range finders to automatically obtain GPS coordinates of photographed objects.
How Does It Work?
Several elements come into play when calculating object location: 1. The GPS coordinates of the camera; 2. Altitude of the camera; 3. Distance from the camera to the object; and 4. Direction from the camera to the object (i.e. compass heading). The camera’s onboard 3-D compass and altimeter provide direction and altitude, the GPS module provides the camera’s GPS location and the TruPulse laser range finder provides distance-to-object information. All of this data is then automatically calculated by GTS firmware installed on the camera to provide the object’s GPS coordinates. After hitting the shuttter button, object location is immediately shown on the camera’s LCD screen and stored in the image file along with ‘memo’ information and other data for future processing, mapping and reporting.
GPS modules are also available that can work with almost any digital camera to offer similar capabilities as the G700SE-M, including the ability to record 'object' location. In this case, the firmware programmed to calculate object location and provide 'memo' features is present in the module which communicates with the camera via a wireless, cable or Bluetooth connection.
