According to a post on the Microsoft Pro Image Blog, Microsoft has released version 2 of its image management software, Pro Photo Tools.
To download the software, click here to go to the official Microsoft download page.
This software is mainly used for managing images on a user's personal computer and it is very powerful. The new version, Pro Photo Tools 2, adds several convenient and powerful features, especially in terms of handling RAW images (original images):
1. Supports reading and writing of XMP sidecar metadata and interoperability with Adobe products.
2. Can directly view RAW images.
3. Converts RAW files into JPEG, TIFF, and HD formats.
4. Resizes RAW files.
5. Supports 64-bit Windows operating systems (especially Windows Vista!).
6. Supports geotagging international geographic location functions.
7. Enhances geotagging image capabilities.
Now, using this software, you can easily add GPS (Global Positioning System) information to your photos. The method is described here, and a brief translation follows:
1. Drag images from the folder to the main window of Pro Photo Tools 2.
2. In Track Route, click the Load From File button to import GPS information.
3. Press Ctrl + A to select all images.
4. Click Place Images below Track Route to place the photos on the map.
5. After all images are placed, click File - Save All Images With New Data to store the GPS information of the images.
Of course, Pro Photo Tools 2 also includes the features of its earlier version, Pro Photo Tools, such as:
1. Automatically determines the name of the area where the photo was taken.
2. Automatically locates coordinates from the shooting area name.
3. Confirms coordinates on the map.
4. Browses images on Windows Live Map.
5. Uses Microsoft Virtual Earth to browse 3D images of the area where the photo was taken.
6. Edits image metadata.
7. Supports RAW images.