Maperture F.A.Q.

What is meant by the term "geotag"?
In general terms, geotagging is the process of adding location-specific data to any type of media. Maperture adds a specific set of geographic information (latitude and longitude coordinates) to a digital image's metadata.

How can I tell if my photos have been geotagged?
To quickly check if multiple images have already been geotagged, simply select the photos you'd like to check and launch Maperture. Any image that contains a geotag will be displayed with a badge in the image viewer. Alternately, you can check an individual image's metadata by selecting the Metadata tab in the Projects Inspector and choosing "EXIF - Expanded" from the topmost drop-down. If the Latitude and Longitude fields are not visible, choose the "EXIF" tab (located at the bottom of the Project Inspector) and select the appropriate checkboxes.

What file types does Maperture support?
Maperture supports the following file formats:

cr2 cs1 gif hdp wdp jp2 jpx jpeg jpg mef
mie mos mrw nef orf pef png psd raf raw

Why doesn't Maperture support CRW files?
The CRW file format does not support storing geographic information, such as latitude and longitude, in its EXIF fields.

Why doesn't the map show up when I try to use Maperture?
This is caused by a conflict with the Safari 4 beta. We are working on this issue, but until it is resolved, you will need to remove the Safari beta to use Maperture.

Does Maperture embed the EXIF data in the RAW file on save?
Yes. When you save, Maperture modifies the master file. However, as a precaution, Maperture's default behavior is to generate a backup of the master file prior to making any changes to your files. You can disable the master backup option in Maperture's preferences.

Should I turn off the backup master images option in Maperture's preferences?
We have done everything possible to ensure Maperture only impacts your image's GPS metadata fields (see below for a complete list). However, as there are a large and ever increasing number of file formats available to digital photographers, the possibility exists that we have not tested how Maperture handles editing some of the file types out there. As such, we strongly encourage you to do a before and after comparison of a sampling of your geotagged images prior to disabling the master backup option.

What specific EXIF (metadata) fields does Maperture update?
Maperture modifies the following four EXIF fields:

  • GPSLatitude
  • GPSLatitudeRef
  • GPSLongitude
  • GPSLongitudeRef

What can I do with my photos once they are geotagged?
Aperture has a built-in feature in the Metadata drop-down called "Show on Map...". Choosing this will display any geotagged photo you select on a map. Additionally, there are a number of photo sharing web sites that support displaying geotagged images on a map. (Übermind's Aperture to Picasa Web Albums plug-in is a quick and easy way to upload your geotagged images to Google's photo sharing service.)

Does Maperture support importing tracklogs?
The current version of Maperture does not have tracklog support. However, we are currently working on a Pro version that will include this feature. In the near future, we will be holding a Maperture Pro beta. If you would like to participate in the beta, feel free to let us know.

Can I submit any feature requests?
We'd love it if you did. Just drop us a note at maperture-support@ubermind.com. While there's no guarantee we'll be able to implement all of the requests that are sent our way in the next version we release, we will keep them around for future updates.

How should I report problems with the plug-in?
If you encounter any unexpected behavior, we ask that you send us a report via email to maperture-support@ubermind.com.
Tips for reporting:

  • Use the subject line--having descriptive text in the subject line is incredibly useful for us, and will help ensure your issue is addressed promptly. (This is a really good place to indicate the name of the plug-in you're using.)
  • Include version numbers--different versions of an application or operating system might handle the same code, well, differently. Thus, it is essential that you include the plug-in, Aperture, and OS X version numbers you are using.
  • Send us your Console log--Console is a Mac system utility that keeps a log of program and system messages. To view your system's log, browse to Applications - Utilities and double-click Console. Once Console is open, simply copy all of the text in the logging pane into a text file and attach that file to your support email.
  • Check out the Activity Monitor--like Console, Activity Monitor is a Utility included with OS X (located in Applications - Utilities) that will have some very useful diagnostic information if the plug-in hangs (i.e., becomes unresponsive while showing you the spinning beach ball). In Activity Monitor, select Aperture from the list of processes (it'll probably be highlighted in red), and click Inspect. A new window should appear. Clicking the Sample button in this new window will generate a text output that you'll be able to save and attach to your report.
  • Send in your crash log--each time a program on your Mac crashes (i.e., shuts down unexpectedly) a crash log is automatically generated. Crash logs can be found at the following path: home - Library - Logs - CrashReporter - Aperture.

This may seem like a lot for you to do, but including this information will go a long way in ensuring the problems you encounter get fixed.

How can I remove this plug-in from my system?
Maperture can be removed by deleting the plug-in file located at:

~/Library/Application Support/Aperture/Plug-ins/Edit/
Maperture.ApertureEdit

(~ represents your home directory.)

If you are removing this plug-in because you have experienced problems or it did not meet your expectations, please contact us and let us know why.