8.8.2. Timecoding Photos

The process of importing photos using this method is a bit more involved due to the need to synchronize the clock information between the camera and the GPS device. If you expect to do this regularly, we suggest setting the camera's clock to the same time as the GPS whenever you turn on the camera, or at least once per day. You may also find it useful to set the time on the camera to GMT, as that is the native time of GPS and therefore requires the least amount of conversion.

Importing photos by matching photo times and GPS tracks

Because the process is dependent upon the coordination between the camera and the GPS device, we describe the steps here from the beginning of the photo safari to the placement of the photos on the map.

  1. Make sure you have valid time synchronization between your camera and GPS

    • Sync the time on your camera to the time on your GPS device.

    • Alternatively, record the difference between the times. This is easy if you can use your digital camera to take a picture of the time on your GPS when you start taking photos. However, if your GPS has no screen, then you should sync to GMT, which is the native time format for GPS data.

  2. Take pictures.

  3. Download the tracks from the GPS:

    • Choose File  >  Acquire GPS Data to import in directly from your GPS

    • Choose File  >  Import Vector Data to import an existing GPX or other exported data file (such as those made by ClueTrust's LoadMyTracks).

      If you are bringing in more than one track file (this might happen on multi-day trips, for example), you can merge the tracks together by selecting the tracks as a group in the Layer Stack and choose Layer  >  Merge Selected Layers.

  4. If you are bringing in photos from photo files, choose Tools  >  Timecode Photos… and select the picture files in the file window.

  5. Click Import and watch Cartographica plot your photos onto the map.

The result is a new point layer containing references to each of the photos placed on the map based on matching the time and the location.

Unlike geotagging software that writes information back to the file, Cartographica makes no modifications to the original photo files themselves, guaranteeing the safety and integrity of your image files.

When selecting a point in a layer with photos, you can see a full sized version of the photo by bringing up the Image Viewer by choosing Window  >  Show Image Viewer