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The ike models are the only commercially-available data capture field device that we are aware of which combines an electronic compass/inclinometer, laser range finder, mobile computer, digital camera and GPS in seamless integration. The ike is the only device that we beta tested for this project.

We are, however, aware of at least two other devices that that integrate digital images with geospatial data. A brief description of these devices is presented for those interested in a simpler solution. SDTDC did not perform a beta test/evaluation of either of these devices.

Topcon's GMS-2

Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc. has developed a hand-held device that has a digital camera which stores and automatically links digital images as attributes to their GPS coordinate locations. The device also has an electronic compass and a pocket computer (520 MHz Intel PXA270) that is operated by Microsoft Windows CE 5.0. This product is commercially available and is marketed as the "GMS-2" (see: Topcon's GMS-2 .)

Topcon's GMS-2

GMS-2 in Hand

Unlike the ike, the GMS-2 does not have an integrated laser rangefinder that allows the user to capture GPS locations of a target from a distance.

SDTDC did not test this device.

Red Hen Systems' Blue2CAN

For the user that only wants to link digital images to geospatial data (latitude, longitude, altitude), the Red Hen Systems, Inc. has developed a device (the Blue2CAN) that can be attached to a Nikon digital camera (Models D200, D2X, D2X's or D2Hs). The Blue2CAN allows GPS data collected from a wide variety of BlueTooth enabled GPS receivers to be integrated with the digital still image.

Blue2CAN attached to Nikon camera with
GPS device in foreground.

The Blue2CAN plugs directly into the 10 pin accessory connector on the front of the Nikon without the use of cables.

Close-up of Blue2CAN plugged into Nikon camera

For more information on the Blue2CAN see: https://ecommerce.redhensystems.com/index.php

Free Software for linking digital images to GPS data.

Below is a verbatim e-mail message that I received from Roger Fryer of the Ozark- St. Francis National Forest relative to his experience in using free software to link digital photos to GPS obtained data.

Roger D. Fryar's e-mail (March 2007)

I saw that you were working on this and thought you might be interested ...I have used the software (at URLs below) and they work fine.

You need the digital camera (it doesn't matter the model or make) to have the same time (exactly) on its clock as your Garmin GPS has (after it has acquired satellites)...then turn on the track log (and leave it on)...and shoot photos.

After you're done for the day, you download tracklog through Oziexplorer (a very inexpensive and easy to use desktop mapping program that has functionality with our corporate [ESRI] GIS).

Along with the photos(s) and the Oziphototool software will match locations and times with the digital photos...then it will watermark the photos with the Latitude and Longitude.

Newest version of oziphototool apparently will interface with goggle earth.

Anyway, you may already know all about these products, but I know of some Forest Service folks that spent a lot of money to get software that didn't really do anything more that this cheap (or free) software will do.

http://www.oziexplorer.com

http://members.shaw.ca/davepatton/ozi/utilities.html

http://www.oziphototool.com//

Roger D. Fryar

Deputy Fire Team Leader - National Forests in AR and OK

Ozark-St. Francis National Forest

Russellville, AR