GPS Enabled Cameras

In the last 12 months there have been a flurry of GPS enabled cameras released on the market. The Samsung ST1000 led the way, offering 12.2 megapixels of photo quality with 5x optical zoom, inbuilt GPS, Bluetooth and WiFi.

Geotagged photos from the ST1000 are easily viewed with programs such as Picasa, Pictomia, Facebook, etc. RIA Mobile GIS include a complimentary copy of the RIA Location Extractor tool with camera purchases; this tool extracts photo locations out of the EXIF image header information into a CSV file, which can be added to a desktop GIS as an event theme.

Users looking for a rugged solution have the option of the proven RICOH 500SEW cameras. Additionally there are a number of PDA options with integrated cameras, including the GETAC PS236 (3MP), Trimble Nomad 800GLC (2MP) and Pidion BM170 (3MP).

Contact RIA for more information on any of these units.

Mobile GIS Image Capture

There are a number of different hardware options to choose between for image capture within your Mobile GIS System. The competing priorities of specifications, cost and usability are balanced to determine the choice made by the user. Here is a table listing some of the typical units used for Mobile GIS applications and their respective camera specifications:

IPAQ 612c Business Messenger
· Reasonably priced non-rugged unit with PDA/GPS/Phone, suited to users requiring an all inclusive device.
· Typical applications include
Asset Management: recording and monitoring assets in urban streetscapes

TDS Nomad 800LC*
· Rugged (IP67 rating) all inclusive PDA/GPS/Camera unit with long battery life, suited for tough outdoor environments
· Typical applications include
Asset Management: street/pavement inspection, maintenance and repairs
Environmental Monitoring: Tree inventories, pest control, weed management

* Now also available in the 800XC model, which includes all the 800LC specifications in addition to GPRS and 2GB Flash Storage. Contact RIA Mobile GIS for more information.

RICOH Caplio 500SEW Camera
· Rugged (IP67 rating), stand alone camera that can be utilised for a wide range of applications. BT/WiFi included, allowing easy connection to your Mobile GIS System and transfer of images in the field. RICOH clip on GPS module or Digital compass/GPS module also available. Includes CALS mode which has default settings where captured images are suitable to be submitted for official public works.
· Typical applications include
Asset management: Construction/Engineering firms recording images of defects
Insurance Companies: Image records for insurance claims