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Using GPS datas with JCapPM version 2.0 and higher


As you know JCapPM associates coordinate informations (x/y) to each photo. Since version 2.0, JCapPM handels also latitude and longitude values. The advantage of that is, that you can interchange maps. You can reuse already geotagged photos (photos having gps information) in order to show them on other maps without to re-position them. Existing x/y coordinates can be converted into latitude and longitude values as well.

Please keep in mind, that geotagging a photo with JCapPM doesn't alter the photo itself. The photo stays untouched! JCapPM only adds a plain text file (sort of meta file) in which are saved geo information as longitude and latitude. Such meta files are used by JAlbums skin PositionMap for building photo albums.
The advantage is that your photos can't get corrupted. Moreover, you can geotag all kind of files, not only photos. The drawback is that you have to move and rename the meta files as soon as your photos get moved or renamed.

JCapPM offers three possibilities to geotag your photos:
  1. import a GPS tracklog file (TXT or GPX format)
  2. use JCapPM's Fast-Access panel in conjunction with Google Earth
  3. use a calibrated map
The first option is the fastest one to stamp a huge number of photos in a few seconds. You don't need a map and you can (only) build Google Maps albums using JAlbum/PositionMap.

The second option is very handy when you just want to stamp some files (or folders) manually and when you also want to add areas and lines or angles of view. As for the first option, you don't need a map and you can (only) build Google Maps albums using JAlbum/PositionMap.

The third option requires a bit more setup work but you can then build photo albums using any template of JAlbum/PositionMap, especially the Standard and Dynamic map template.

Last but not least, JCapPM allows to convert longitude/latitude values to x/y values and vice versa (see menu Metafile).
The only condition is, that you use a calibrated map! A calibrated map is qualified by:
  1. a reference point indicating longitude/latitude of this location
  2. a reference distance
  3. an earth model
Calibrated maps should be furthermore borderless, North being straight top.
Once calibrated a map, each new point you set is saved not only with its x/y but also with the corresponding longitude/latitude values.

Photos which carry already gps datas in their EXIF header can be imported so JCapPM can use it (remember that JCapPM uses meta files and doesn't alter EXIF data, therfore the need to import).



Keep in mind, that the position points shown in JCapPMs position map window are based on their x/y coordinates. So you might need to convert lon/lat to x/y (see menu Metafile).