naturerecordists
[Top] [All Lists]

Recorder for audio mapping in OpenStreetMap.

Subject: Recorder for audio mapping in OpenStreetMap.
From: "babstar999" babstar999
Date: Thu Aug 6, 2009 2:38 am ((PDT))
Hello,
      I am currently adding streets for my region in OpenStreetMap
<http://www.openstreetmap.org/> , a world world effort to produce free
map data for everyone to use.
One of the mapping techniques - audio mapping
<http://josm.openstreetmap.de/wiki/Help/HowTo/AudioMapping>   uses a GPS
to record your track & an audio recorder to make verbal notes about the
route (street names, speed limits etc).  Later, the GPS track & the
audio can be  synchronised
<http://josm.openstreetmap.de/wiki/Help/AudioMapping/Synchronization> ,
allowing the data to be entered into the map building software (JOSM)
<http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/JOSM>   in real time back at a
workstation.
The chief advantage of this technique is that it allows hands-free,
single-handed mapping from a moving vehicle or bike without constant
stopping & starting.  Much larger area's can be covered more efficiently
in limited time.   Unfortunately JOSM only reads .wav format for the
audio.

I have been using an Olympus DM-10 very successfully for this,
unfortunately it a few limitations -  64Mb memory, proprietary USB PC
link, along with native DSS format for LP (.wma format for high quality
~4 hours) &  proprietary software for audio extraction.

The time has come for a new recorder and I am seeking advice on suitable
models, however the shear number of choices available is overwhelming.
Most likely I will be using the recorder in either a car or on a bike so
a suitable model would have the following attributes:

    * Durable - lots of outdoor use in pockets & bags.
    * Weight -Light, suitable for use on a bike.

    * Sound quality - not much of an issue, LP is suitable,  as long as
the audio notes are clear enough to be useful.
    * Battery Life - 10+ hours recording. Some recording may be up to ~ 5
hours continuous.
    * External mic facility -  preferred.
    * Memory - Around 50+ hours on medium quality should be sufficient.
    * Audio format - .wav preferred, although almost everything (except
.dss) can be converted to .wav with Linux.
    * Accurate recorder timebase (my DS-10 is out by only 1.5 seconds
over a 3 hour recording).

    * Cost - I don't want to purchase that is gross overkill for
something that is relatively simple task.

I have looked at a number of recorders on amazon, and had almost settled
on the Olympus DS-30/40/50 family until I read a review
<http://www.amazon.com/review/R6X7E5O0IK1UR/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm>   on
amazon, that indicated with overly sensitive mic causing problems.  Many
of reviews of the basic Sony models indicated problems with battery
drain when the units are in the HOLD mode.

I am open to all suggestions please.












<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
Admin

The University of NSW School of Computer and Engineering takes no responsibility for the contents of this archive. It is purely a compilation of material sent by many people to the naturerecordists mailing list. It has not been checked for accuracy nor its content verified in any way. If you wish to get material removed from the archive or have other queries about the archive e-mail Andrew Taylor at this address: andrewt@cse.unsw.EDU.AU