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!

Materials for pole

Below: from http://publiclab.org/notes/liz/09-17-2014/newark-green-garden-2nd-aerials

Another pole developed by the Public Lab Gulf Coast Chapter, see @ddileona post for design.

Below: from http://publiclab.org/notes/stevie/10-20-2014/the-blitz-report

Below: from http://publiclab.org/notes/patcoyle/04-21-2014/cal-poly-ewb-pap-pole-aerial-photography-mapping-for-india-project

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

If you end up purchasing one of the Public Lab 11meter carbon fiber poles, you can reference 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).