_Lead image from http://publiclab.org/notes/gclout01/07-22-2013/pole-mapping-rig-making_
Pole mapping is fun and easy to do! Perfect for small areas, like urban lots or gardens. You can be very creative about what to use for a pole and how to attach your camera. These people sure were! Materials used include PVC, carbon fiber (a 50' fishing pole), bamboo, and other unknowns!
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##Materials for pole
_Below: from http://publiclab.org/notes/liz/09-17-2014/newark-green-garden-2nd-aerials_
[](https://i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/006/831/original/IMG_2318.JPG)
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Another pole developed by the Public Lab Gulf Coast Chapter, see @ddileona [post for design.](http://publiclab.org/notes/ddileona/03-17-2015/spring-fling-building-a-better-pole-for-mapping)
[](https://i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/009/545/original/20150314_160021.jpg)
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_Below: from http://publiclab.org/notes/stevie/10-20-2014/the-blitz-report_
[](https://i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/007/539/original/bsj_129.JPG)
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_Below: from http://publiclab.org/notes/patcoyle/04-21-2014/cal-poly-ewb-pap-pole-aerial-photography-mapping-for-india-project_
[](https://i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/003/768/original/DSC_0044.JPG)
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##How to attach a camera to a pole
Pretty much any way you can! I prefer to use the standard soda bottle rig to protect the camera. You might also employ tape, string, or even a picavet made of bamboo!
_Below: from http://publiclab.org/notes/patcoyle/04-21-2014/cal-poly-ewb-pap-pole-aerial-photography-mapping-for-india-project_
[](https://i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/003/767/original/DSC_0006.JPG)
##Pole Mapping Kits
[](https://i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/009/663/original/polesample1.png)[](https://i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/009/664/original/polesample2.png)
If you end up purchasing one of the [Public Lab 11meter carbon fiber poles](http://publiclab.org/notes/Ecta64/03-10-2015/carp-poles-as-viable-imaging-platforms-in-windy-conditions), you can reference [Natalie](/profile/natalie)'s research note on assembling the camera mount [here](http://publiclab.org/notes/Natalie/03-06-2015/diy-pole-mapping-camera-mount).
##Cool pole imagery
Straight-down imagery is great for map-making. Oblique imagery is also cool!
_Below: from http://publiclab.org/notes/mathew/05-17-2013/pole-photography_
Check out [Ecta64](/profile/Ecta64)'s [research note](http://publiclab.org/notes/Ecta64/03-10-2015/carp-poles-as-viable-imaging-platforms-in-windy-conditions) on using the Public Lab carp pole (coming soon to the store).
