Pole Mapping
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!
Materials for pole
Below: from http://publiclab.org/notes/liz/09-17-2014/newark-green-garden-2nd-aerials
Below: from http://publiclab.org/notes/gclout01/07-22-2013/pole-mapping-rig-making
Below: from http://publiclab.org/notes/stevie/10-20-2014/the-blitz-report
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!
If you end up purchasing one of the Public Lab 11meter carbon fiber poles, you can reference [Natalie]{/profile/natalie)'s research note on assembling the mount here
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's research note on using the Public Lab carp pole (coming soon to the store).