Geostamp and Compass for Collector

4015
8
03-15-2016 07:11 AM
Status: Open
JenniferStarbuck1
New Contributor III
When taking pictures with the Collector App I would like the option to apply a GeoStamp to the image. I would like to be able to see the Date and time the image was taken, along with the lat,long, elevation and direction inwich the picture was taken. I would like this information displayed and saved on the image its self. This would save having to use other software to either map the picture or pull out the EXIF data. This way an individual can send off the picture in a text message with all the location information needed right there on the picture.
  When in picture mode it would be nice to see a compass, this would allow individuals to know what direction they are facing when they are taking a picture. I have to take pictures form all four cardinal directions. I close the Collector app, open my compass to see where i am facing and then go back into Collector. It would also be nice to have a compass with in the main body of the app (in an open map). Its helpful that the blue dot will turn into an arrow once you start to move to show what direction you are going, but an individual still might not know if they are heading North, or South. Having a compass with in the main body of the app (opened map) will add greater navigational powers to the app. 
 
8 Comments
ScottPrindle

Thank you for submitting this idea. It looks like there are a couple of separate but related ideas in the description: taking pictures including EXIF data and providing a compass within Collector for ArcGIS. Please log separate ideas for each of these suggestions, as they are valid but only partially overlap with an existing idea with support behind it:

Collector - Geotag attached photos

When promoting this idea, consider commenting to provide your organization's use case for each suggestion. This will clarify for us which part is important to you, and how it will benefit you.

Thanks,
Scott

PeterErbs-Maibing2

We are just coming in to ESRI via ELA agreement in COWI Group Denmark and are excited about the new posibilities. In my department we are assesing area and rights and freqently we are taking pictures of boundaries. It would be great to have direction of photos taken with collector. Thanks!

ChristopherRodgers

Another possibility could be to allow the user to be able to take photos with other approved apps which already do this. I work for utilities and I see the Theodolite app often used to stamp compass, inclinometer, rangefinder, GPS etc information directly on images. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/theodolite/id339393884?mt=8 

JenniferStarbuck1

Christopher,

You bring up a good point. There are other apps you can use that include campus heading, elevation, Lat, Long. You can use those other apps to take the photo with the information you want and then attach the photo in collector. 

This process get the photos I want but its not very efficient. As a field user I find it to be a pin to switch between app. When you are collecting hundreds of points and photos for each one, time going back and fourth really adds up. It has also been my experience the more apps you have open while running collector can really kill a battery.

It really would help to save time and battery to have this function with in collector and not collector + other apps. But that you for the suggestion. Hopefully we can keep this idea going and get the functionality into collector 

JenniferStarbuck1

Currently Collector does not offer this function. How every Christopher made a good suggestion below. I have used the Theodolite app and another one called Solocator.

I lean more towards using Solocator I like how GPS data is displayed and can include project information on the photo.

GeoStamp photo GeoStamp

JenniferStarbuck1

 I have used the Theodolite app and another one called Solocator.

I lean more towards using Solocator I like how GPS data is displayed and can include project information on the photo.

GeoStamp photo GeoStamp

I then use these photos taken with other Geotaging/ GeoStamping app and add them into Collector through attachments. This process gets the photos and GPS information I want but its not an efficient process. Collecting hundreds of points and multiple photos for each one is very time consuming when you have to swap back and forth between apps. It has also been my experience with a cell phone of tablet, when your using Collector it runs down the battery the more apps you have running.

There are meany reasons to want this function.

-Makes it easier on field staff not having to jump through many different apps to collect required information

-Time saving 

-Battery Power Saving

-Better Data/photo management. All photos are in collector and not in multiple apps

-When exporting photos from the Database having the photos already GeoStamped/Geotaged provides a grate way to communicate GPS information about these objects.

NateHouck

You may be able to achieve this feature through third party apps such as Theodilte Pro. The pic should be picked up by the Collector app.

JenniferStarbuck1

Yes I know this function is in other 3rd party app. I am looking to get this in Collector. Having to jump in and out of different apps all day 1st slows down data collection and 2nd really kills the battery. Thanks for the suggestion! Please vote up the idea if you haven't as i believe a lot of people could benefit of this function.