Ricoh optimises GPS-enabled digital camera

To provide the best solution for GIS workflows that require quality images, the new SE-2 GPS module line for the 500SE provides superior GPS reception, capabilities and accuracy. The SE-2 modules, designed by EKA Technologies, Inc, incorporate state-of-the-are GPS components into a small, power-efficient, and ruggedised housing that attaches to the side of the 500SE, providing an all-in-one geo-imaging solution.
US manager for Ricoh’s camera division Jeff Lengyel said, “Unlike other GPS cameras and imaging devices with built-in GPS, the 500SE was designed with a modular approach, to ensure the camera’s capabilities follow the rapid technology curve in the GPS industry.”
The new modules are available in two versions. The SE-2g provides GPS capability while the SE-2c offers GPS and a 3-axis compass for direction (azimuth) information.
Key advantages of the SE-2 modules are its small form-factor, significant power saving capabilities and faster GPS fix times, due to it new helix antenna. The SE-2c and SE-2g are also less expensive then previous modules with recommended prices of $US169 and $US399 respectively.
To further enhance the cameras’ data-collection capabilities, Ricoh has also released new firmware for the 500SE, that allows it to collect up to ten attributes of field data via an easy-to-use on-board data dictionary or by utilising the camera’s barcode scanning capabilities. Additionally, an unlimited number of data dictionaries may be stored on the camera to provide a virtually unlimited amount of data to embed into images as they are captured.
This image ‘meta-data’ becomes attribute data in GIS mapping applications. The new firmware also allows up to three attributes as well as GPS position, azimuth and UTC (satellite time) to be imprinted directly onto images as they are captured
More information: www.ricoh-usa.com/geo