sbacon

Cool. I'm very interested in geotagging images and have tried a number of currently available programs. I don't think I've seen another program that outputs to ArcGIS - interesting, but not something I personally need. What are some other features/functions that differentiate PhotoTracks from current solutions?

DeLorme Topo USA will create routes on both roads and trails. You can then export to .gpx format and import into Garmin MapSource to load to your device. Hope this helps...

You are correct, Mourize. The use of RAW format is more for photographers who intend to do more post processing on their images and print them in larger sizes. After I've completed the processing of my images to optimize the quality, I can then create different sized copies for web, print, etc. The nice thing about geotagging in RAW format is that it only has to be done once, at the beginning. Then the information is carried forward to all subsequent copies. For those interested, you can see an example of how I use RoboGeo to create Google Earth files with embedded images in a recent travelogue to Mirror Lake, in Colorado's Indian Peaks Wilderness. The Google Earth link is at the bottom of the page, but you must have Google Earth installed to view it.

That does look like a cool unit, and its great to see a manufacturer moving in this direction. But the image quality of a built-in 2Mp camera won't suit my purposes. So, as usual, there is not one single solution that will fit everyone's needs...

Sure, I see this all the time while hiking in the mountains. The weather can vary by the hour (or minute), especially in the summer with the afternoon thunderstorms. Barometric pressure changes with the weather (usually). So if you want accurate readings on your barometric altimeter, you need to calibrate it frequently to a known altitude when weather conditions are changing. If I want an accurate altitude log, I calibrate the altimeter to elevations on a topo map when I turn the unit on in the morning, during rest breaks and photo stops.

I use RoboGeo to geotag all my digital images. I like it because it geotags automatically using my GPS tracklog and works with RAW image format (DNG). Both features are very important to me since I shoot 1000s of images all in RAW mode. locr appears to have a lot of nice features, but I couldn't find on their website whether or not they support RAW image file types, like DNG or any of the proprietary formats. Or does it only support the JPG format? Maybe I'll just have to download it and give it a try...

RoboGeo is great for geo-tagging images. It has a number of different options including convenient output to Google Maps and Google Earth. You can see an example by clicking on the Google Earth file linked in my Mirror Lake trip report (bottom of page). Be sure to check the Tracks layer once the file loads in Google Earth. This will turn on the tracklog display. BTW, I use RoboGeo to geo-tag my RAW image files in DNG format. It works just the same as geo-tagging JPG files. Hope this helps...

I saw this yesterday, too. Pretty cool!

I achieve the result you're looking for using RoboGeo, but the procedure is different from what you are describing/asking for... I confirm that my GPSr and DSLR clocks are sync'd before hitting the trail or assignment. Once on site, the GPSr is turned on and left on for the duration of the shoot. After making each image, I either take a number of steps in the direction the image was shot, or if that is not possible, make a manual written note of the direction (note: I do not manually create a waypoint, though the previous poster's suggestion of creating a waypoint with the heading in the name is a good one!). Back at the computer I process the RAW images and load them, along with my GPS track log, into RoboGeo. It matches coordinates to each image and I add the headings manually from my notes or by looking at the track log. This works well, but I am totally with you on the need to capture the heading info automatically somehow... If you have Google Earth installed, you can see a good example by viewing my hike to Arrowhead Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Otherwise the trip report and pics are here. Hope this helps...

I found the previous responses interesting, since I use the barometric altimeter quite a bit on my Vista Cx. Perhaps its just a factor of what you use your GPSr for the most. For me, it's hiking, backpacking and photography. I like being able to glance at my GPSr and know my altitude as well as my location. I can do this without having to squint at a contour line, and/or count in between labeled contours on the topo. You just need to be aware of the limitations of barometric altimeters, as mentioned above (frequent calibration, especially during changing weather). I usually calibrate the altimeter during rest stops. It take about 15 seconds. I don't use the barometer for weather forecasting.

FWIW, I recently got a Vista Cx (my first GPSr) and used it on a 6 day backpack/photography trip in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. I left the unit on during the daylight hours to record a tracklog of the entire trip. And later used the tracklog to geotag my photos. I changed batteries only once, on day 4, which I thought was pretty good, considering that I was constantly "playing" with all the fun features (sun/moon rise is great for photographers). I have a trip report on my website which includes GPX and Google Earth track, waypoint, and image downloads. CaStarman and OGBO will get a good laugh (as ultralight bp'ers) at our huge pack weights... Also FWIW, I've owned a Suunto Observer (compass, alt, etc.) for over 4 years, wear it every day, and still love it - durable and accurate.

Garmin makes a topo product for the U.S. National Parks at 1:24,000 scale. I'm using the U.S. Topos, 1:100,000 on my Vista Cx and they actually work quite well (coming from a 1:24,000 topo map and compass guy). I just finished a 6 day backpack in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and the 1:100,000 scale worked OK. I used 1:24,000 scale topo maps as a compliment. Another option is to make your own maps. I've not tried it yet, but will soon. Here is a good tutorial... Hope this helps.