Collecting metadata for Full Motion Video without a drone

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09-01-2016 06:06 AM
DavidHuggins
New Contributor II

I'm looking to collect metadata needed for GoPro video to be used in FMV. Video is not shot with a drone (no log info), it is collected on the ground, so how can I collect the metadata needed to use this video in FMV? Can I use the multiplexer tool with GPS data collected from a handheld GPS, biking computer, or smartphone? I know this will have limitations as far as defining the camera orientation, but what is the best way to do this? Also, are there any data loggers that could be used to collect camera orientation as well?

Thanks!

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3 Replies
CodyBenkelman
Esri Regular Contributor

David

You need GPS at a minimum, but yes the multiplexer should be able to work with any common GPS source, as long as you can see the XYZ and time values in a readable format.  You'll likely have to reformat the GPS in ASCII text to be readable by the multiplexer - many people use a spreadsheet but pay close attention to the GPS time (must be UNIX time format) because spreadsheets will often reformat that to scientific notation, and you lose the least significant digits.  See the tutorial available here http://esriurl.com/FMVtutorial

Keep in mind that the FMV functionality was intended to map the video onto the ground, so if you are on a ground vehicle with the video showing the horizon, part of the video footprint is projected out to infinity, and asking the software to run those calculations is expensive (and useless).  Unless you are panning the camera (e.g. GoPro mounted on your bike helmet), and you expect the video to accurately track in the map view, I would recommend you estimate the orientation angles and include a pitch angle to keep the video footprint below the horizon.  Even if that's not precise, your video footprint on the map should give you an indication of the field of view of the video as you your vehicle moves over the ground.

As for data loggers, yes there is available hardware from the drone industry that could be used here.  If you're going to be panning the video, we can advise re: data loggers.  (I'd have to ask a colleague, I don't have that info today)

Cody B

FaroukRohoman
New Contributor II

Hello Cody:

I am interested in acquiring a data logger that would capture the camera orientation.  Do you have any suggestions.

Thanks Farouk Rohoman

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JeffLiedtke
Esri Contributor

Farouk,

Do an internet search on inertial measurement unit - There are lots of options that are not expensive.

That said, I am aware of the Garmin VIRB XE video camera that collects orientation information as it collects video data.  I don't think it collects altitude.  And remember that if the horizon in in the field of view you will not be able to project the footprint of the video frame on the ground at this time.  We are working on a solution that handles this case.

Jeff

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