News & Updates

October 5, 2009

What to bring
We'll provide you with the following equipment: a GigaPan Robotic Unit, a Canon G10 digital camera, batteries & chargers, a tripod & a card reader... everything you'll need to get started and all fitted into an indestructable traveling case (We know because they’ve been to the top of a New Zealand glacier, California redwoods and the wilds of Tanzania already!). This kit will be yours to keep. In exchange, we just ask that you post a minimum of 12 panoramas over the next year to gigapan.org.

So, the only equipment you'll want to bring to Pittsburgh is a laptop computer to ‘stitch’ together the GigaPans that you'll take during the workshop. For best results, your laptop should have at least 2GB of RAM, 20-30GBs of free hard drive space and either be a PC running Windows XP or Vista, or an Intel-based Mac. We will have a few laptops at the conference for general use, but if possible, it would be best to bring your own, so we can be sure the software loads properly and you can get comfortable with the GigaPan software on your own computer.

Before you arrive
 We have arranged guest accounts on the CMU network for all workshop participants. During the workshop you will be using this network access to upload your GigaPans to gigapan.org. In order to use the network, CMU requires that you follow several security precautions. You can take some of these steps now in order secure your computer and get on the network more quickly during the workshop.

  1. Update and Secure Your Computer
    • Turn on your firewall.
    • Install, update, and run antivirus software.
    • Update your operating system:
      • For Windows machines, run Microsoft Update and install all recommened updates. You may need to run Microsoft Update several times if you have not updated your computer recently.
      • For Macs, run Apple Software Update and Microsoft AutoUpdate (Microsoft AutoUpdate is necessary only if you have Microsoft Office 2004).
  2. Download and install Carnegie Mellon Root Certificates.
  3. You are also expected to abide by all CMU network policies. You can review the network policies here.

What to wear
Wear comfortable shoes as we will be doing some walking, particularly on Friday when we visit Phipps Conservatory to practice using the GigaPan. You may also want to bring a rain jacket or umbrella in case the weather turns rainy.

How to Get to SuperShuttle When You Land
A reservation has been made in the name of each perticipant flying in to Pittsburgh. After you claim your luggage, please proceed to the SuperShuttle customer service counter located on the baggage claim level behind the escalators by Door 4.