FAQ
1. What is geotagging?
2. Does the EasyTag only work in North America or does it work everywhere?
3. Which cameras does the EasyTag work with?
4. How big is the EasyTag? How much does it weigh?
5. Can I use the EasyTag if I’ve forgotten the memory card?
6. Can I use a remote trigger/shutter release with the EasyTag?
7. What encoding format is the information in the GPS log (text file) that the EasyTag records?
8. What information is embedded in photos files?
9. What file types can the EasyTag embed EXIF data into (JPG, TIFF, RAW, etc.)?
10. How long does it take to acquire a GPS signal?
11. How long does the EasyTag’s battery last? How is it charged?
12. What is the warranty on the EasyTag?
13. How come Flickr isn’t geotagging/plotting my photos on a map?
14. How come Picasa isn’t geotagging/plotting my photos on a map?
15. How come iPhoto isn’t geotagging/plotting my photos on a map?
1. What is geotagging?
Geotagging is the process of embedding geographic data into photos. Typically, this data is longitude, latitude, compass heading and altitiude. It later allows the photos to be plotted on a map.
This brings a whole new dimension to vacation photos, travel photography and other areas where knowing the exact location the photo was taken adds useful information.
2. Does the EasyTag only work in North America or does it work everywhere?
The EasyTag works ANYWHERE it can receive a GPS signal — even in Antarctica!
It receives GPS coordiantes (longitude and latitude) from GPS satellites orbiting the Earth, similar to in-car navigation systems (except it doesn’t need to have maps built-in because it is NOT plotting the information).
Once the GPS data is recorded (longitude and latitude), it can be plotted on Google Maps, Picasa, Flickr, etc.
3. Which cameras does the EasyTag work with?
The EasyTag records the path/route that is travelled and then using free software, synchronizes this GPS/geographical data with the photos (using the photo’s timestamp), embedding the GPS information into each individual photo. This allows the EasyTag to be used with ANY digital camera from ANY manufacturer.
If you have a Nikon DSLR, the EasyTag’s direct data cable connection allows it to instantly embed this data into the photograph when it is taken (as well as record the path/route that is travelled).
The EasyTag has been tested with the Nikon D90, D200 (no automatic heading [compass]), D300/s, D700, D3100, D5000, D5100, D7000, D1-, D2-, D3-, and Fujifilm S5 Pro.
4. How big is the EasyTag? How much does it weigh?
The EasyTag is very small and lightweight, making it easy to carry in your pocket or camera bag, where it will continue to track and record GPS information (if you are using a point-and-shoot camera or a non-Nikon DSLR).
Size (L x W x H): 56mm x 35mm x 24mm Weight: 40g [EasyTag + microSD card]
5. Can I use the EasyTag if I’ve forgotten the memory card?
Yes! If you’ve accidently forgotten the memory card, you can still use the EasyTag’s geotagging features through its data cable with your connected, compatible Nikon DSLR. However, you will NOT be able to track your path/route and therefore, will have no data available to geotag photos taken with non-Nikon cameras or point-and-shoot cameras.
Simply toggle the switch to the “On” position (NOT the “All” position), wait for the EasyTag to obtain a signal lock and continue using the EasyTag as you normally would.
6. Can I use a remote trigger/shutter release with the EasyTag?
Yes! To ensure that you do not lose any fuctionality with your Nikon DSLR, the EasyTag has a 2.5mm jack to pass through a remote trigger/shutter release signal from any compatible remote. We carry aftermarket wired, wireless, timer, and infrared remotes that are all compatible with your Nikon DSLR through the EasyTag’s passthrough. The signal is sent through the 2.5mm jack through the 8- or 10- data connection, along with the geotagging data.
7. What encoding format is the information in the GPS log (text file) that the EasyTag records?
The EasyTag’s text files are encoded in standard NMEA 0813 format.
Time and date are embedded on each line as follows:
$GPRMC,214928.743 [hhmmss] ,A,4338.7292,N,07927.8808,W,0.21,155.20,060310 [day month year],,,A*7D
Complete technical specification of NMEA 0813, courtesy of gpsd.berlios.de: NMEA Format.txt
8. What information is embedded in photos files?
Every digital camera will embed the photo with varying amounts of information. Typically, this includes date, time, shutter speed, aperature, and other image-related data. There is also space for GPS data, which is what the EasyTag fills in.
To view EXIF data, download the free Opanda iEXIF program in the downloads section.
9. What file types can the EasyTag embed EXIF data into (JPG, TIFF, RAW, etc.)?
If connected directly with the data cable to a compatible Nikon DSLR, the EasyTag can embed GPS/geotagging data into all current formats supported by Nikon DSLRs: JPEG/JPG, TIFF, and RAW.
If using free third-party software to embed GPS/geotagging data into photographs, it is dependent on the software. Most can embed in JPEG/JPG and RAW files. Visit the downloads page to download geotagging and image editing software.
10. How long does it take to acquire a GPS signal?
Acquiring a GPS signal depends on factors such as weather, line-of-sight, obstructions, etc. Typically, it takes under 1 minute to acquire a signal lock in a clear area.
When the EasyTag has acquired a solid signal lock, the LED will stay solid green (see LED indicator statuses).
On Nikon DSLRs with a display, the GPS icon will stop flashing once a solid GPS signal has been acquired and stay ON.
11. How long does the EasyTag’s battery last? How is it charged?
The EasyTag’s independent, internal battery lasts for approximately 10 hours of continuous use.
It takes approximately 4 hours to fully charge the EasyTag using the supplied micro-USB cable.
The battery has a projected life of 3+ years and is user-replaceable (simple procedure requiring tools and opening up the EasyTag).
(When it comes time to replace the internal battery, please contact us for instructions.)
The EasyTag’s indicator LED will change colours depending on the status: LED indicator statuses.
12. What is the warranty on the EasyTag?
The EasyTag comes with a 2-year warranty. This does NOT cover issues like water-damage, dropping, or intentional damage. Please refer to the manual for complete details.
13. How come Flickr isn’t geotagging/plotting my photos on a map?
For privacy reasons, by default, Flickr has EXIF location data turned off. You must enable this for Flickr to read the GPS geotagging information embedded in your photos.
Unfortunately, if you have already uploaded photos with EXIF turned off, you have to import them again. Flickr will NOT update existing photos in your account with EXIF GPS geotagging data.
Flickr also does NOT support plotting the route/track/path.
14. How come Picasa isn’t geotagging/plotting my photos on a map?
For privacy reasons, by default, Picasa has EXIF location data turned off. You must enable this for Picasa to read the GPS geotagging information embedded in your photos.
Simply go to Settings – Privacy and Permissions – Locations and check both boxes.
15. How come iPhoto isn’t geotagging/plotting my photos on a map?
For privacy reasons, by default, iPhoto has EXIF location data turned off. You must enable this for iPhoto to read the GPS geotagging information embedded in your photos and publish them on the web.
Simply go to Preferences – Web and check “Include location information for published photos”.
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