We are pleased to announce the release of HoudahGeo 7.1, a focused update that delivers one of the most requested features: visualization of viewing direction on the built-in map.
This release also:
- improves map behavior with an off-screen target indicator
- adds location coordinates copy & paste support from Apple Photos
- introduces a French localization
- and significantly reduces memory usage for photo previews.
- HoudahGeo 7.1 – viewing direction visualized on built-in map
Visualize Viewing Direction on the Map
When geocoding photos, you can assign a viewing direction. HoudahGeo has long been able to read heading information from GPS track logs and apply that heading during automatic geocoding.
What GPS cannot know is where you were looking.
Imagine photographing through the passenger window of a moving car. The GPS track provides the direction of travel. But you may have been shooting 90° to the right. By providing a viewing direction offset, HoudahGeo combines:
- GPS heading
- Your specified viewing direction offset
to determine the actual viewing direction of the photo.
With HoudahGeo 7.1, this information is now visualized directly on the built-in map.
For photos that have viewing direction metadata, HoudahGeo draws:
- A circle around the photo’s map pin
- A cone (pie slice) indicating the viewing direction
The cone shows direction only. It does not represent the actual field of view and does not account for lens type or zoom.
This makes it much easier to verify and fine-tune direction metadata when reviewing or correcting geocoded images.
Off-Screen Target Indicator
Many users prefer to disable “Automatically Center Map on Selected Photo.” This keeps the map stable while browsing through images.
In HoudahGeo 7.0, the map would try to remain in place — but it would still move if the newly selected photo was outside the visible map area.
HoudahGeo 7.1 changes this behavior:
- The map now truly stays put.
- You can select photos without shifting the current map view.
- This makes drag-and-drop geocoding much easier when placing multiple photos in the same area.
To help you locate a selected image that lies outside the visible map area, HoudahGeo now displays an off-screen target indicator near the edge of the map.
The indicator:
- Points toward the photo’s actual location
- Updates dynamically as you pan the map
- Guides you to the pinned position
This small addition makes working with large sets of photos noticeably smoother.
Copy & Paste Locations from Apple Photos
You can now copy a location from Apple Photos and paste it directly into HoudahGeo.
In Apple Photos:
Image > Location > Copy Location
In HoudahGeo:
Photos > Paste Coordinates
This is especially useful when you already have a correctly placed photo in Apple Photos and want to apply the same coordinates to additional images or videos inside HoudahGeo.
When you have previously geotagged photo – e.g. photos taken using iPhone – check out geocoding using reference photos where HoudahGeo automatically copies location coordinates to photos taken within the same timeframe.
Now Available in French
HoudahGeo 7.1 introduces a French localization of the application.
The help documentation is currently available in English and German. French documentation will follow.
Reduced Memory Usage
We have greatly reduced memory usage for photo previews. This improves responsiveness and stability, particularly when working with large image projects or high-resolution files.
Improved Camera Clock Setup Window
The Camera Clock Setup window now resizes properly to accommodate very small screens, making it more practical on compact Mac displays.
Learn More About HoudahGeo 7
If you would like an in-depth walkthrough of HoudahGeo 7, take a look at the excellent tutorial from Screencasts Online:
https://www.screencastsonline.com/tutorials/photography/houdahgeo-7
Available Now
HoudahGeo 7.1 is available as a free update for all HoudahGeo 7 users.
If viewing direction has been on your wish list, this update is for you. It makes direction metadata visible, verifiable, and practical in everyday geocoding workflows.
As always, thank you for your feedback — it directly shapes the evolution of HoudahGeo.