Geotagging allows you to know exactly where and when an image was taken because the location’s latitude and longitude are recorded with the image’s EXIF data. The EXIF data includes information about HOW the photo was taken and includes details such as shutter speed and aperture. Most digital cameras automatically record EXIF information with every picture taken but only a few models include built-in geotagging at this time.
There are a number of personal and professional reasons you’d want to geotag your images. If you’re looking for all the photos you took in Colorado, geotagging allows you to find those images quickly. If you’re a real estate agent, you can provide your clients with an online map of all the listings currently available.
Here are a few ways that you can record the exact location of where a photo was taken, opening up a number of other ways you can enjoy, share and use your digital images:
Using Your Existing GPS Receiver: If you want to begin geotagging your images but aren’t ready to purchase any additional equipment, consider using your existing GPS receiver. You can even use the GPS functions on some cell phones. You’ll want to make sure that your GPS is in ‘tracking’ mode. Keep your GPS with you and in this mode while you’re taking photos. Once you’re finished, upload your pictures to your laptop or computer and then choose which images you wish to tag with the coordinates. Refer to your GPS log and write down the coordinates for each time period. You can then add the coordinates to the EXIF file in your image editing program.
This method, while the least expensive, can also be a bit labor intensive for those who do a great deal of shooting. Fortunately, there are some new tools available designed to automate this process for you!
Modifying Your Camera: There are models of GPS receivers that attach to the hot shoe of a DSLR digital camera, and this will allow the coordinates to be recorded in the EXIF data. You might also consider a small GPS tracker that works in conjunction with your digital camera. Before you upload all your pictures to your computer, you simply take the camera’s memory card and insert it into the GPS tracker. The data is then written to the EXIF files of your photographs and the coordinates are now attached. You can then upload your pictures, and they will include all the GPS coordinates.
Digital Cameras with Built-in GPS: One of the easiest ways to begin geotagging your images is to purchase a camera with built-in GPS capabilities. This means that the coordinates of each picture are automatically recorded into the EXIF data. While this functionality is still fairly new for digital cameras, a regular stream of new cameras is being introduced with more options coming available in the near future. If you’d like to know which models we have, just give us a call or email us and we’d be happy to consult with you personally to find a model that meets your needs.
Also, some cell phones have built-in cameras and GPS capabilities, and while the quality may not compare to your digital camera, this method could work in a pinch if needed.
