Geo.Camera KML Photo Overlay Pitch

Problem

Emergency management and community storytelling efforts require accurate, georectified photo overlays to quickly communicate situational awareness and historical context. Currently, users must manually calibrate photos with complex GIS tools, limiting accessibility and responsiveness.

Solution

Build and deploy a streamlined web application at geo.camera enabling users to:

Quickly calibrate photos directly within the web interface.
Automatically generate a hosted, georectified KML Photo accessible as a Network Link.
Provide a URL-based service to easily share real-time calibrated photos.

Core Functionality

Drag-and-drop or upload photo to initiate calibration.
Interactive UI to place tie-points (photo-to-map coordinates).
Automatic KML generation with accurate geospatial coordinates.
Exportable KML network links for immediate use in Google Earth or Cesium.

Technical Considerations

Use existing calibration backend from realtime.earth for accurate pose estimation.
Deploy simple backend for KML hosting and generation.
Minimal UI/UX for rapid, intuitive calibration.

Rabbit Holes (Out of Scope)

Advanced terrain adjustments or dynamic 3D interaction.
High-volume batch processing (initial version targets single photos).

Stretch Goal

Allow users to register cameras and subscribe to regularly updated photos, dynamically refreshed through the hosted KML network link.
Provide user account integration for managing subscriptions and camera registrations.

Risks & Mitigation

Complexity Risk: Calibration UI too complex. Mitigation: Focus on core tie-point functionality.
Backend Risk: Hosting costs. Mitigation: Lightweight storage via cloud buckets or CDN.

Success Criteria

Users can successfully upload, calibrate, and export a georectified KML photo within five minutes.
Reliable, shareable network link generated upon each calibration.
Stretch goal validation: Real-time photo updates via subscribed camera streams.