How to Turn Site Photos Into a PDF Report or a KML/GeoJSON File

TL;DR

Shoot into a project with the Report Bar, then export a PDF field report or KML/KMZ/GeoJSON/CSV for GIS (Pro). Pro also verifies timestamps against network time and backs up each capture to Files or iCloud Drive.

The problem

The photos are the easy part. The slow part is what follows: pasting 80 pictures into a document one by one, typing the location under each, then re-entering the same coordinates into mapping software so the client can see where everything was. It’s a day of admin for a morning’s work, and it’s where typos creep in.

What GeoCam gives you

If you’ve shot with a project and the Report Bar, the information is already there. The Pro field tools put it to work:

  • PDF field report built from your captures.
  • GIS export as KML, KMZ, GeoJSON or CSV, so locations open directly in mapping tools.
  • Verified timestamps: each capture is checked against network time.
  • Auto backup: a copy of every capture goes to your Files or iCloud Drive folder.
  • Note presets for faster tagging of repeat items.

A workflow

  1. Before the job, create a project and a template with the Report Bar. See documenting field work.
  2. Choose the coordinate format your client or software uses (DD, DDM, DMS, UTM or MGRS).
  3. Shoot into the project. Use note presets for recurring observations.
  4. At the end of the day, check the project’s gallery. Cull duplicates.
  5. Export a PDF report to send, and a KML/GeoJSON/CSV file for the GIS team.
  6. Confirm the backup folder has the originals.

Things to check

  • Coordinate format. If your client works in UTM and you shot in decimal degrees, change it before the job.
  • GPS accuracy. The accuracy is recorded with each shot. A reading of tens of metres is not survey-grade. Don’t treat it as such.
  • Verification needs a connection. Network-time checks can’t happen with no signal, so verify later where it matters.
  • Free covers the capture. If you only need photos with the Report Bar and no exports, you may not need Pro. See Free vs. Pro.

FAQ

Are exports free? PDF reports and GIS exports are Pro field tools. The Report Bar, projects, bearing and coordinates are free.

Which GIS formats can I export? KML, KMZ, GeoJSON and CSV.

Which coordinate formats are supported? Decimal degrees, degrees and minutes, DMS, UTM and MGRS.

What do verified timestamps do? Each capture’s time is checked against network time, so it can be flagged as trusted rather than relying on the phone clock alone.

The app GeoCam+ →