Embedded Files
Most modern cameras, including those in smart phones (e.g. iPhone) include the ability to embed GPS location data in the photo, so that later on it is possible to view where the photo was taken. This data is part of the Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) data and includes camera information, time and date and other details as well as GPS location data.
The GPS location recorded with the photo is the location where the camera is, not where the subject of the photo is. This location is also subject to GPS errors of up to 15 feet.
NOTE: Keep in mind that since the digital photo location data is not the precise location of the tree, it is not good enough to be entered into the Medford Campus Trees - Trees in Place database spreadsheet. It will still be necessary to find the precise location using the "Pinpointing" technique described on this page.
There are several ways to extract this Exif data depending on the device or operating system that you are using. Below are three methods, first with Apple Photos on an iPhone, the second a similar method, but with Google Photos and the third using Google Photos to create a Google My Map. The map created with this third technique, can be printed out and used in the field to find the precise location of trees using the "Pinpointing" techniques described here.
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