QGIS – How to Add Geotagged Photos as a Raster Layer

Question

I have several geotagged photos that I am trying to run an analysis on. I am trying to add them as a raster layer in QGIS. Even though they are not an orthomosaic, is it still possible to add them as a raster layer?

Here are some of the photos, which can be downloaded here (download size: 34.2 MB):

The geotagged coordinates are the centroid of each photo, so I have been able to add them to the map as a point layer using the "import geotagged photos" tool:

However, I have not figured out a way to add them as a raster layer. Is there a way to physically add them into QGIS, and not just import their locations? If not QGIS, I am open to using another program to solve this problem if necessary.

Answer 1

Taking into account that a raster is always an squared layer defined by an extension (x*y) and a cell size. There's no way to "import photos as raster", but QGIS has tools to transform those points into a raster.

1st method (squared points raster):

1. Transform you layer into a projected crs (this makes the following transformations more intuitive).
2. Rasterize. You can either asign a unique value for cells or asign a value from a parameter of the layer (for example the altitude). You can change the resolution to the value that match the final layout you are looking for.

2nd method (rounded points rasters):

1. Transform you layer into a projected crs (this makes the following transformations more intuitive).
2. Make a buffer of the points. In this case I measure the diameter it should has in the final layout.
3. Rasterize the buffer as in method 1. In this case, if you select a very tiny cell size you can imitate the dot simbology.

Good luck ¡