Discussion: Asynchronous racing with GPS tracking
in: Orienteering; General
Apr 29, 2008 2:06 PM
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Here is an event in California sponsored by a local GPS tracking device rental company:
http://trackme360.com/blog
As these devices become pervasive, will we see the evolution of the ¨permanent course¨ into a more dynamic and competitive branch of our sport.
When I visit a new city, could I visit a web page of a local permanently marked course, then upload my route and time? I would never have to use (or understand) coordinates, just use a regular o map, with such a device to track and confirm my location and time for later processing.
Could a ¨race¨ be associated with a season or multiday window as opposed to a single day? Obviously this will never be the real thing, but would greatly expand one´s orienteering experience.
Would variances in weather, conditions, and map accuracy make it impossible? Is the technology accurate enough to ensure course completion? Is someone already doing this (with real o maps)?
http://trackme360.com/blog
As these devices become pervasive, will we see the evolution of the ¨permanent course¨ into a more dynamic and competitive branch of our sport.
When I visit a new city, could I visit a web page of a local permanently marked course, then upload my route and time? I would never have to use (or understand) coordinates, just use a regular o map, with such a device to track and confirm my location and time for later processing.
Could a ¨race¨ be associated with a season or multiday window as opposed to a single day? Obviously this will never be the real thing, but would greatly expand one´s orienteering experience.
Would variances in weather, conditions, and map accuracy make it impossible? Is the technology accurate enough to ensure course completion? Is someone already doing this (with real o maps)?
Apr 29, 2008 3:51 PM
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Wow -- that's a really cool concept. The aspect of not needing a permit is especially appealling.
If a person wanted to cheat, they could scout the course "off the clock" before running their official, documented, GPS'd race. But, for someone like me who's just trying to test and improve my own skills, it would be great.
I've always been confounded by the popularity of geocaching, especially as compared to the relative obscurity of orienteering in the US. I think the "electronic gadget" aspect of geocaching is part of its appeal. Maybe adding an electronic gadget in this way would make orienteering more exciting to some people.
If a person wanted to cheat, they could scout the course "off the clock" before running their official, documented, GPS'd race. But, for someone like me who's just trying to test and improve my own skills, it would be great.
I've always been confounded by the popularity of geocaching, especially as compared to the relative obscurity of orienteering in the US. I think the "electronic gadget" aspect of geocaching is part of its appeal. Maybe adding an electronic gadget in this way would make orienteering more exciting to some people.
Apr 30, 2008 12:25 AM
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This has been happening for quite some time in sports like paragliding.
This discussion thread is closed.