FAQs
Below are some answers to commonly asked questions about rePhotoSA. If you have any further questions or queries that are not addressed below, feel free to contact us.
Do I need to register with the rePhotoSA project before I can upload my repeats?
No. Previously, citizen scientists had to register with the project before they could contribute, but this is no longer required. Any uploads will, however, be checked for quality and accuracy before being approved for inclusion in our online collection of repeat photographs.
No. Previously, citizen scientists had to register with the project before they could contribute, but this is no longer required. Any uploads will, however, be checked for quality and accuracy before being approved for inclusion in our online collection of repeat photographs.
How can I find and download a photograph from my local area?
We have created a map where you can browse and search for images. The map has been divided into a grid system based on lines of latitude and longitude. Each box or grid cell in the grid system is referred to as a QDS or 'Quarter Degree Square'. If you click on a QDS grid cell, you will be able to see a list of thumbnails of the original photographs that were taken in that QDS. If you then click on a thumbnail, you will be able to view a larger version of the photograph, as well as the metadata associated with that particular image. You can then download the image by clicking the download button (box with a downward arrow) in the viewer.
We have created a map where you can browse and search for images. The map has been divided into a grid system based on lines of latitude and longitude. Each box or grid cell in the grid system is referred to as a QDS or 'Quarter Degree Square'. If you click on a QDS grid cell, you will be able to see a list of thumbnails of the original photographs that were taken in that QDS. If you then click on a thumbnail, you will be able to view a larger version of the photograph, as well as the metadata associated with that particular image. You can then download the image by clicking the download button (box with a downward arrow) in the viewer.
How do I line up my camera with the original image when taking a repeat photograph?
Detailed instructions are available here.
Detailed instructions are available here.
Can I take repeat photographs with my smartphone?
Yes. While we prefer images taken with a digital camera, we welcome any digital images, provided the repeat photo is accurate and the image is of good quality.
Yes. While we prefer images taken with a digital camera, we welcome any digital images, provided the repeat photo is accurate and the image is of good quality.
What data do I need to collect when I take a repeat photograph?
We have developed a datasheet which you need to download and complete for each photograph that you take. You will need to record data such as the GPS coordinates, time of day and weather conditions. These data are important if the repeat is to be of research grade quality.
We have developed a datasheet which you need to download and complete for each photograph that you take. You will need to record data such as the GPS coordinates, time of day and weather conditions. These data are important if the repeat is to be of research grade quality.
Does it matter what time of day or season I take a repeat photograph?
The most important factor in taking a repeat photograph is that you line up the physical features in the original image as accurately as possible and provide a suitable match of this view in your own photograph. The time of day becomes a factor when there are shadows in the photograph, which can make research and image analysis difficult. If possible, try and estimate the time of day that the original photograph was taken by looking at the shadows on the photograph. But do not be discouraged from taking the repeat if you are unable to match the images by time of day or season. Remember the first rule of repeat photography: if you are at the site, take the photograph no matter how imperfect you think it might be, as you never know if or when you will get the chance to return.
The most important factor in taking a repeat photograph is that you line up the physical features in the original image as accurately as possible and provide a suitable match of this view in your own photograph. The time of day becomes a factor when there are shadows in the photograph, which can make research and image analysis difficult. If possible, try and estimate the time of day that the original photograph was taken by looking at the shadows on the photograph. But do not be discouraged from taking the repeat if you are unable to match the images by time of day or season. Remember the first rule of repeat photography: if you are at the site, take the photograph no matter how imperfect you think it might be, as you never know if or when you will get the chance to return.
How do I upload a repeat photograph?
Select ‘Upload Photos’ under the ‘Participate’ tab and complete the metadata form.
Select ‘Upload Photos’ under the ‘Participate’ tab and complete the metadata form.
If there is already a repeat photo in the database, should I take another one?
Yes. We are interested in obtaining a time series of photographs of different locations. Multiple repeats are useful for detailed analysis of a particular area.
Yes. We are interested in obtaining a time series of photographs of different locations. Multiple repeats are useful for detailed analysis of a particular area.
What do I do if I notice an error on the website?
If you find any errors on our website regarding QDS, photo location description or anything else, please notify us by selecting 'Feedback' under the 'Participate' tab and completing the form. Alternatively, please send us an email (contact details can be found here).
If you find any errors on our website regarding QDS, photo location description or anything else, please notify us by selecting 'Feedback' under the 'Participate' tab and completing the form. Alternatively, please send us an email (contact details can be found here).
What do I do if the place I need to get to, to take a repeat photograph, is on private land?It is very important that you respect the law and the rights of private landowners, and state authorities when undertaking any activity concerning this project. Please get permission from the relevant authority before entering privately-owned or state-owned land. Local municipality staff, traditional authorities, agricultural extension officers, agricultural union staff and conservation managers are important people to contact to find out who owns land in your area of interest. It is best to plan your trip well in advance and to get permission to walk on someone’s land before you travel to a site. Usually, however, the exact location of the camera position only becomes known to you when you are at the site. In that case, make the time to find out who owns the land and then get permission to access the property.
What is a QDS?
A QDS (quarter degree square) is a grid cell that corresponds to the area shown on a 1:50 000 map (15' x 15'), and is approximately 27 km long (north-south) and 23 km wide (east-west). These grid cells are obtained by drawing lines of latitude and longitude at 15 minute (15') intervals across a map to form a grid. It bears mentioning that "quarter degree square" is a misnomer, in that there are 16 cells in a degree square, not four.
A QDS (quarter degree square) is a grid cell that corresponds to the area shown on a 1:50 000 map (15' x 15'), and is approximately 27 km long (north-south) and 23 km wide (east-west). These grid cells are obtained by drawing lines of latitude and longitude at 15 minute (15') intervals across a map to form a grid. It bears mentioning that "quarter degree square" is a misnomer, in that there are 16 cells in a degree square, not four.
