| Review: GeoSetter |
|---|
I thought it would be nice to take a look at a tool that while not technically a DAM application, is very helpful in managing a specific subset of IPTC/XMP photo data: GPS Coordinates. Not only is this application quite useful and well put together.. but this gem is actually freeware! So, without further ado, here is my review of Geosetter.
| Application | Version | Review Date | Price | Review By | Techology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geosetter | 2.4.3 (Build 527) | April 12, 2008 | Free | Andy | PC |
| Website: | http://www.geosetter.de/en/ | ||||
General Overview
I ran across a mention of Geosetter while reading some posts on one of the various Photography forums I frequent on a daily basis. It was hidden in a post that mentioned how some very nice software is coming from German developers lately. I decided to hit the link and see for myself… and I am very glad I did!
Geosetter is (as described on the company website):
“a freeware tool for Windows for showing and changing geo data of image files (e.g. images taken by digital cameras).”
And, this is exactly what the software is used for - adding GPS data into the Exif/IPTC and XMP areas of your digital images. Now, I can clearly see the usefulness of this and think this will be the next big thing that most camera vendors start (some already do) incorporating into all their cameras (SLR and compact combined). Armed with this info in the exif of every photo, DAM applications will be able to extract the data and show you exactly where that American Avocet photo was taken. Imagine looking through your database at a Lady Slipper flower and being able to find it in the same spot years later by using the GPS data. Good Stuff.
Well, until the day this is a standard feature, you can either:
- buy a GPS receiver, manually track the GPS coords for each photo and then enter the data manually into the XMP of the photo
- use a tool that syncs the GPS receiver data with the date/time of each photo to enter the data
- or buy a dedicated hotshoe GPS receiver that will add the data to each photo as it is taken.
All 3 options are fine for future photos.. but how do you get all that data into your current photo collection quickly and easily? Well.. I’ll be using Geosetter to do this job… let me tell you why.
