Recording Object Location: How Does It Work?
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.
Canon Digital Cameras Get Advanced Geo-Tagging Capabilities
Carlsbad, Calif. – GTS expands product line of GPS-enabled digital cameras capable of taking geo-tagged images with advanced photo-capture capabilities such as obtaining GPS coordinates of distant objects, tagging images with attribute data, and exporting image files for integrating with popular mapping applications.
Current GTS firmware which facilitates these capabilities is currently only available on select Ricoh cameras. However, in Q1 2012 the firmware will be available on a broad array of Canon models as well. “This product extension will allow GTS to provide a much wider selection of cameras to better meet the unique needs and budgets of our military, federal, and commercial customers,” reports Matt Kidd, President of GTS.
Some noteworthy features that will come with the soon to be released customized Canon cameras include compatibility with laser range finders for capturing “object location”, geo-tagging of the camera’s position, image attribute tagging or “memo tags”, automatic data imprinting on photographs for visual recall, and image file exporting for seamless image mapping in programs such as Google Earth, ArcGIS, GeoRover, TIGR, and FalconView.
Using these cameras, after the operator has collected images in the field, they can connect to a computer via SD card, USB cable, WiFi, or Bluetooth to transfer the image files. GTS provides software along with their cameras that will automatically convert the digital image files into various formats that can be used for reporting and mapping. A standardized report template is also automatically generated by the software which is auto-populated with the associated images and their attribute information (e.g. date, operator’s name, mission type or job ID, etc.).
“The focus for GTS is the customer’s workflow,” said Andy Shannon, Sales Manager for GTS. “Whether our customers need low cost and rugged compact cameras for teams to capture hundreds of geo-tagged images at a time, or they need a powerful DSLR with high image quality that can collect object location and memo tags, we want to be able to offer them a simple solution that fits those needs,” Mr. Shannon continued.
GTS plans to target their new line of Canon cameras and supporting technology at organizations that deal with large amounts of photographic data and have a need to more easily manage, map, organize, and report that information for internal and external use.
Photo GIS | Photo Mapping Software | Photo Mapping And GIS | GPS Camera
What is PhotoGIS?
PhotoGIS Navigation Screen
The options available from the PhotoGIS home navigation screen were designed to be as simple and user-friendly as possible. Everything is conveniently broken down into four categories: Setup - Processing - Reporting/Exporting - Administration. This allows you to easily locate and complete each step as you move along your workflow.
QR Code and Barcode Generator
After creating 'memos' with the "Create Memo" option from the home screen, you can simply click on "Create Barcode" to generate a QR or Bar code which is instantly ready to be scanned by your Ricoh G700SE camera (or similar digital camera that supports memos). After scanning the code, you're ready to capture photos in the field and each photograph will automatically contain the memo data you entered during setup.
Who is PhotoGIS for?
PhotoGIS is intended for organizations looking to simplify their workflow and who have the need to organize, map, edit, mange, and report large amounts of geotagged photographic data. Some of our customers include the US Army, USMC, US Navy, USAF, FEMA, USDA, local government, Border Patrol, and a variety of GIS users that need to integrate photos into GIS databases.
Common applications include: Military ISR, Combat Patrol, Special Operations, Disaster and Emergency Response, Disaster Insurance Investigations, Border Patrol and Security, Police Investigations, Environmental Assessments, Utility Asset Surveying and Mapping, Biological Surveying and Mapping, Natural Resource Surveying and Mapping, Real Estate Photo Mapping, et cetera.
Want to Learn More and See PhotoGIS In Action?
Call us at 866.238.7917
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Professional Versatility Meets GPS!
Digital SLR Camera Solutions
Acquire professional quality images with maximum control and lens versatility in custom outfitted DSLR solutions. Coupled with GeoMapr, every professional image also captures the who, what, when, where and why of every photo.
- Maximum control with a broad array of manual controls and lens options.
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- GeoMapr GPS modules enhance your DSLR with data-rich memos and geo-tagging.
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