GPS for 40D?

[SE Smith Jr]

I know you can hook up a GPS device to your 1Ds3 and have the co-ords added to your EXIF data. Is there a way to do this with the 40D?

[mariners_canonuser]

yes you could use the wft-e3 and then hook up a gps device to this.

[SE Smith Jr]

Yeah, but then I lose the use of the batt grip. Is there any other way?

[umbra]

Lose the use of the battery grip? The WFT-E3A is a grip. I have one and it works with my Garmin GPSMap CSx. The alternative is to use a GPS logger and software. I have a Qstarz Q1200 for this. Check these links on how to tag your pics:

http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2005/07/how_to_gps_tag.html
http://picasa.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=43896

[blackshadow]

I seriously don't get the need for GPS data to be embedded on the EXIF file, it sounds like a pretty pointless gimick to me.

I'd love someone to explain some real practical benefits apart from being so inebriated that you are unable to remember where you took a photo.

[RianFlynn]

I seriously don't get the need for GPS data to be embedded on the EXIF file, it sounds like a pretty pointless gimick to me.

I'd love someone to explain some real practical benefits apart from being so inebriated that you are unable to remember where you took a photo.

I work in Egypt for a research team on the Giza Plateau. We take hundreds of thousands of photographs and it would be nice to tell EXACTLY where the photographed feature was located. One left box to fill in. haha

[Woolburr]

I seriously don't get the need for GPS data to be embedded on the EXIF file, it sounds like a pretty pointless gimick to me.

I'd love someone to explain some real practical benefits apart from being so inebriated that you are unable to remember where you took a photo.

I don't think consumption of alcohol even enters the equation...I can see lots of practical uses for having GPS data included with a shot, but the primary purpose is documentation. I have spent days traveling around back roads shooting a variety of interesting subjects and sometimes don't take the time to or even forget to write down exactly where the image was taken. Shooting several hundred images over the span of a hundred mile or more trip could certainly cause some potential confusion about exact location to those of us with less than photographic memory. Maybe not every person has need for a GPS unit...but for hiking and exploring, it seems a big plus.

[blackshadow]

I'll get back in my box now after those two well explained answers

[highbarger]

Nice avatar, Sonno :) I made mine in Photoshop because I wanted the image for my desktop and couldn't find one big enough... then just resized for avatar use. It fits me perfectly since photography is all about light and of course the DSOTM cover.

[highbarger]

Oh, I guess I should get back OT... check out this link. GPICSYNC (http://code.google.com/p/gpicsync/)
I haven't tried this program yet, but it might do what you're looking for. It's not automatic, requires post work, but you wouldn't have to buy any adapters or extra equipment if you already have the gps.

[Wilt]

I work in Egypt for a research team on the Giza Plateau. We take hundreds of thousands of photographs and it would be nice to tell EXACTLY where the photographed feature was located. One left box to fill in. haha

The assumption (wrong) is that photographic GPS (not used for surveying) is that accurate! If you could pair image time precisely with survey-quality GPS position, that would be useful in a dig!

[Jon]

The assumption (wrong) is that photographic GPS (not used for surveying) is that accurate! If you could pair image time precisely with survey-quality GPS position, that would be useful in a dig!As it's possible to get real-time differentially-corrected GPS signals, you're just plain wrong. All you need to do is hook up a DGPS-capable receiver. You can also post-process a DGPS correction once you have the GPS timing and position signals recorded. So it's not as difficult as you'd like to think to get an accurate fix on your photos, especially since the Canon WFT-2 and -3 are GPS-agnostic.

[Wilt]

As it's possible to get real-time differentially-corrected GPS signals, you're just plain wrong. All you need to do is hook up a DGPS-capable receiver. You can also post-process a DGPS correction once you have the GPS timing and position signals recorded. So it's not as difficult as you'd like to think to get an accurate fix on your photos, especially since the Canon WFT-2 and -3 are GPS-agnostic.

Normal GPS has nominal 15 meters accuracy. Actual use for photographic purposes reported no better than about 16' accuracy.

WAAS depends upon ground reference stations that are only in North america, and is capable of achieving the required Category I precision aircraft approach accuracy of 16 m laterally and 4.0 m vertically, which makes that not so useful on a Egyption dig, either.

So you know of a photographic GPS that has DGPS reception capability to provide the 10cm accuracy it can provide?! And there is a network of fixed ground based reference stations broadcasting DGPS outside of North America (like Egypt)?

[Jon]

Normal GPS has nominal 15 meters accuracy. Actual use for photographic purposes reported no better than about 16' accuracy.

WAAS depends upon ground reference stations that are only in North america, and is capable of achieving the required Category I precision aircraft approach accuracy of 16 m laterally and 4.0 m vertically, which makes that not so useful on a Egyption dig, either.

So you know of a photographic GPS that has DGPS reception capability to provide the 10cm accuracy it can provide?! And there is a network of fixed ground based reference stations broadcasting DGPS outside of North America (like Egypt)?First - WAAS has an European equivalent, EGNOS, which also relies on geosynchronous satellites, in this case on the equator East and West of Africa. The Japanese version is MSAS> There are also commercial systems called OmniSTAR and StarFire.

However, DGPS isn't restricted to wide area coverage. Local DGPS, either by post-processing or by real-time corrections, is eminently suitable for a small area such as an archaeological dig. In fact, I'd be surprised if most archaeological sites are either currently using DGPS in their mapping or are trying to get the funding to do so. And when you're dealing with a small area, DGPS corrections become relatively simple, since both your base station and your roving station can be receiving the same signal within as little as 0.1-0.2 min. of arc (600-1200 ft). Using post-processing DGPS this way, all you need to have is the local uncorrected data attached to the picture; it can be corrected later by comparison to the base station's recorded information.

Canon's GPS support is essentially receiver-independent. There are a number of portable precision receivers which support sub-meter accuracy; their signals are just as suitable as the low-end receivers available in outdoor stores.

[Wilt]

So about how much money (big ballpark figure) would a scientific team have to fork over, to have DGPS precision at a dig site? Cost of base + roving station + compatible receiver(s), and I presume you need to benchmark the position of the base and roving station via conventional survey methods before you start to use DGPS? And if the team picked up from Egypt and went to Teotihuacan would they need to rebuy a different set of base + remote and receivers?

[Jon]

If they relocate, no problem. Only limitation is local RF restrictions, if any, assuming DGPS with a local base station. And remember - this is also being used to map the site, not just to index the photos. But you need to survey in the site no matter what, so that's not an extra effort. Cost - not too dissimilar to the cost of a good transit/level and chains. And a whole lot faster to survey, as adopters have been finding.

Don't believe me? Google Archaeology DGPS. Florida even requires DGPS (sub-3-meter) on all vessels being used for offshore archaeology work.

And also, don't forget that the GPS position can still be used in combination with existing (grids, etc) survey marking techniques. If you're photographing an artifact with a part of the grid showing, you want to know where in the overall grid you are, but you don't need cm. accuracy within the square for the camera position.

[Wilt]

If they relocate, no problem. Only limitation is local RF restrictions, if any, assuming DGPS with a local base station..

Sheesh, overcoming all the regulatory certifications and compliances and being approved for use within a national jurisdiction!

[Jon]

Sheesh, overcoming all the regulatory certifications and compliances and being approved for use within a national jurisdiction!
Tried to get a cell phone in a foreign country? I suspect the hurdles for DGPS would be insignificant when compared to just getting permission to dig the site and sorting who gets to do what with any artifacts that are discovered.

[RianFlynn]

Normal GPS has nominal 15 meters accuracy. Actual use for photographic purposes reported no better than about 16' accuracy.

WAAS depends upon ground reference stations that are only in North america, and is capable of achieving the required Category I precision aircraft approach accuracy of 16 m laterally and 4.0 m vertically, which makes that not so useful on a Egyptian dig, either.

So you know of a photographic GPS that has DGPS reception capability to provide the 10cm accuracy it can provide?! And there is a network of fixed ground based reference stations broadcasting DGPS outside of North America (like Egypt)?

You know could be wrong about this, but the project I do work for uses something called a Total Station. It is a $15,000 piece of surveying equipment with a GPS build it... I believe its gps is accurate a few cm even in egypt. It is, however, very heavy! It would be amazing to use a pocket GPS that had survey quality results!

[RianFlynn]

And also, don't forget that the GPS position can still be used in combination with existing (grids, etc) survey marking techniques. If you're photographing an artifact with a part of the grid showing, you want to know where in the overall grid you are, but you don't need cm. accuracy within the square for the camera position.

Yes. We use a 5x5 meter grid and after ever shot a photo log is filled out that includes the time, grid and a description. A decent GPS could help automate some of the paper work! it also be integrated into the GIS map!

could be cool! $800 for the grip seems a little less steep to me now.

[SE Smith Jr]

Lose the use of the battery grip? The WFT-E3A is a grip. I have one and it works with my Garmin GPSMap CSx. The alternative is to use a GPS logger and software. I have a Qstarz Q1200 for this. Check these links on how to tag your pics:

http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2005/07/how_to_gps_tag.html
http://picasa.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=43896

Ohh, it is? How many batts can you fit in it? The reason I'd use a grip in the first place is to have 2x as much time to be able to shoot. I guess I'll look it up and do a little research. Thanks!

Nice avatar, Sonno :) I made mine in Photoshop because I wanted the image for my desktop and couldn't find one big enough... then just resized for avatar use. It fits me perfectly since photography is all about light and of course the DSOTM cover.

DSOTM is my all time favorite albumn, Floyd is my all time favorite band. Been using the prism av on different forums for years. I had a buddy make me a really cool av out of the picture on the inside of the albumn, check this out:

http://www.mousetrip.net/pics/sonno/Z_DarkSideAv2.gif

Don't know how (errr... read as too lazy to figure out ;)) to shrink it down to 80x80 and keep the animation to be able to use it here.

[Jon]

Ohh, it is? How many batts can you fit in it? The reason I'd use a grip in the first place is to have 2x as much time to be able to shoot. I guess I'll look it up and do a little research. Thanks!
It doesn't hold batteries for the camera. The camera holds its own battery. The grip holds a battery which powers the grip alone. Battery life for the 40D is, however, substantial even with a single battery.

[highbarger]

Hope you don't mind... I resized it for you.

[SE Smith Jr]

Hope you don't mind... I resized it for you.

Awesome! Thanks! You'll have to PM me how to go about doing that. Unfortunately, when I went to upload it to use it, the forum said:


You may not upload animated images.

:(