www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

My father-in-law brought me a nifty device today - essentially, a GPS unit that records your position anywhere on the planet. He told me that I could use the data it collects to tag the photos I take. I wasn't sure, especially since it's a Sony device (http://www.sony.co.uk/product/dcc-gps/gps-cs1) really made for their Cybershot range of cameras (whereas I use Canon). Despite their blurb, the device is independent of any make of camera.

So I had a play - and I have to say that this has been quite a revelation to me because the end result are images (Canon RAW images as well JPEG) that are tagged with GPS data that allows me to bring up a map to see exactly where the photo was taken. What's more - I've added to the gallery mechanism to allow anyone tagging their images with GPS data to do the same. An example image can be seen at http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/phpBB2/g ... 2#comments (just expand the EXIF data and you'll see what I mean). I've added a link to Google Maps so that you can see, within 5 metres, where the photo was taken. Just imagine how useful this could be when going abroad when you don't really know where you are!

So - an explanation of the mechanics.

1. Set you camera so that it has the correct data and time, since this information is included in your images by default and will be used to correlate with the GPS information of where you were.

2. Turn on the GPS device and go out and take some photos.

3. Using appropriate software (I use a free program called "GeoSetter") tag your images with the GPS data (which it does by matching the time in the camera with the time from the GPS satellites).

4. Post your image on UKB

That's pretty much it. Absolutely amazing and I can't see me ever going out without my GPS device from now on!

I'd be especially interested in anyone else using a GPS device, because I'd like to test the UKB mechanism I've added in!

Cheers,

- Pete

Sounds useful. Is it a hot shoe device?

I see, they are hand held. Garmin do loads, i think they'd be about £130. Not on the top of my shopping list, but i suspect they'll catch on with outdoor types. I need a Siggy 180 first.

Zonda wrote:Sounds useful. Is it a hot shoe device?

This particular model is a standalone GPS system with nothing to attach it to the hotshoe - but should be pretty easy to hold it in place!

Cheers,

- Pete

Zonda wrote:I see, they are hand held. Garmin do loads, i think they'd be about £130. Not on the top of my shopping list, but i suspect they'll catch on with outdoor types. I need a Siggy 180 first.

My father-in-law managed to get the Sony device for £1.50 on eBay

Cheers,

- Pete

Krikey and yikes, he got a bargain there.

Zonda wrote:Krikey and yikes, he got a bargain there.

Just checked myself...practically a steal! great find, one device like this is going on my christmas wishlist

I'll go shopping when I find one that can save the tracks for two weeks and operate the same without charging or be charged with a simple charger (charging from USB is kind of inconvenient on a hiking trip). I've wanted one for some time, but the specs don't yet meet the needs.

Hi,

If I got it right, here's a Geotag'd image


Ah I see you have to upload it to an album

xmilehigh wrote:Hi,

If I got it right, here's a Geotag'd image


Ah I see you have to upload it to an album

Yes - currently. Although I may make this available from any uploaded image in the future. Anyway, I've posted your image here:

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/phpBB2/g ... ge_id=3185

Does the location look OK?

Cheers,

- Pete

Hi Pete,

Yep it's spot on so to speak I think the camera time is/was set reasonably accurately.

I used a Garmin gpx file & the Geosetter software you mentioned. I have known about this feature but never been inspired to try it out so thanks for this. This is an excellent way to get back to exactly the same place in the future when the memories may not be quite so clear

Cheers

xmilehigh wrote:Hi Pete,

Yep it's spot on so to speak I think the camera time is/was set reasonably accurately.

I used a Garmin gpx file & the Geosetter software you mentioned. I have known about this feature but never been inspired to try it out so thanks for this. This is an excellent way to get back to exactly the same place in the future when the memories may not be quite so clear

Cheers

Hmmm I can't seem to get Geosetter to properly see my GPX files. THey are converted GPX files (converted from TCX which is what the Garmin training centre produces from the data in my GPS) and they seem to be recognised well enough by GPS Visualiser but no joy in Geosetter. It's a bit hard to interpret what to do with Geosetter, do you have any tips Xmile?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers

Bill

PS - Thanks for sharing this Pete, I usually carry my GPS but it isn't always logging. I think it will from now on.

Actually, ingore the above I've sussed it!

Cheers

Bill

I tried this geotagging for real today, managed to remember to sync the camera with the GPS unit, and start to record my wanderings.

Unfortunately no butterflies to be seen, but I did get a shot of an ovipositing Common Hawker dragonfly. Once at home the files were processed using the Geosetter software and uploaded to the picture host provider I use who also just happens to support Geotagging

I'm very impressed with the result which if you'd like can be seen here by following this LINK, just hit the Map This button in the upper right hand side of the screen.

xmilehigh wrote:I tried this geotagging for real today, managed to remember to sync the camera with the GPS unit, and start to record my wanderings.

Unfortunately no butterflies to be seen, but I did get a shot of an ovipositing Common Hawker dragonfly. Once at home the files were processed using the Geosetter software and uploaded to the picture host provider I use who also just happens to support Geotagging

I'm very impressed with the result which if you'd like can be seen here by following this LINK, just hit the Map This button in the upper right hand side of the screen.

Nice feature but EXCELLENT photo's particularly like the ones on the wing!

Cheers

Bill

Bill S wrote: EXCELLENT photo's particularly like the ones on the wing!

I'll second that!

Thank you gentlemen.