Discussion: Use of GPS
in: MNOC - Interstate State Park, WI (Sep 25, 2011 - Dresser, WI, US)
Sep 15, 2011 3:16 AM
#
So I understand the rules say we can use a GPS, since this is an "Adventure Run" and not an Orienteering Meet.
Do you think this would be easier with a compass or GPS.... what type of GPS would you recommend... my Garmin or something with a display like my iPhone? Are you also allowing cars with GPS? Are you going to be giving coordinates or how does this work? Or do I just have to be patient and wait for the pre-event briefing? (BTW, I can't be patient). We DO still get a map, don't we?
Do you think this would be easier with a compass or GPS.... what type of GPS would you recommend... my Garmin or something with a display like my iPhone? Are you also allowing cars with GPS? Are you going to be giving coordinates or how does this work? Or do I just have to be patient and wait for the pre-event briefing? (BTW, I can't be patient). We DO still get a map, don't we?
Sep 15, 2011 3:24 AM
#
The descriptions says there will be a modified USGS map. I wouldn't bother with a GPS, myself...
Sep 15, 2011 3:54 AM
#
I don't nav with a gps so I don know what would be best. I hope to hear from people what works. No coordinates will be provided. Just an omap. I wonder if someone will figure out how to take a photo of the map and overlay their gps position on the map photo as they run...
The gps rule variation will perhaps attract some non-orienteers to the meet. We shall see.
The gps rule variation will perhaps attract some non-orienteers to the meet. We shall see.
Sep 15, 2011 4:45 PM
#
I was primarily asking because I have some newbies coming and I told them they could use gps, then I was wondering "how exactly does that work?"
I agree that compass only will be easiest, since I have no familiarity with navigating with GPS unless it's in my car. But out of curiosity based on toddp's comments, I downloaded an iPhone app (iTopoMaps) that shows actual position on choice of maps, including USGS and OpenStreetMap. I may not use it for nav at Interstate, but it may be fun during training runs. And..... I can review my route on it. =)
I agree that compass only will be easiest, since I have no familiarity with navigating with GPS unless it's in my car. But out of curiosity based on toddp's comments, I downloaded an iPhone app (iTopoMaps) that shows actual position on choice of maps, including USGS and OpenStreetMap. I may not use it for nav at Interstate, but it may be fun during training runs. And..... I can review my route on it. =)
Sep 15, 2011 7:02 PM
#
Oooooo, that USGS overlay may work very well! Especially for pinpointing geographical position in relation to the terrain contours. However, some of the good route choices will follow trails that will not be marked on the official USGS. We modified our map to show the park hiking trails so the paper map will probably be an indispensable companion to your app.
Who is going to figure out how to get a picture of the map into their GPS at the start? pfc?
Who is going to win? Compass or computer?
Who is going to figure out how to get a picture of the map into their GPS at the start? pfc?
Who is going to win? Compass or computer?
Sep 15, 2011 7:12 PM
#
I wonder if someone will figure out how to take a photo of the map and overlay their gps position on the map photo as they run...
Every time GPS + orienteering comes up on Attackpoint I basically make the same point: the iPhone already has the capability to revolutionize the map & compass. The iPhone has a camera, a touch screen, a GPS, and a magnetic compass built in.
The only thing missing is a geo-referenced orienteering map, which you could either get via making o-maps available to download, or by taking a photo of the map with the embedded camera, and then doing a few seconds of touching and swiping the screen to orient and scale the map.
Once that's done, you can run with the map image displayed, and your little glowing blue dot showing where you are, within a couple of meters. And with the magnetic compass in the phone, your map will always be oriented the way you want it. And forget about the magnifying glass, you can just zoom in on the image.
You can also tap a control circle or an attackpoint on the touch screen, and using the gps and compass, the screen could show an arrow pointing the way. Additionally, you could hold the phone upright and see a live image of the camera is seeing, overlaid with directional arrows, and if close enough, a simulated control flag.
And you could do all of this without cell service!
If only I knew how to program...
Would this drastically change the sport? Of course. But it would open us up to large audiences, such as geocachers, gadget-loving kids, and GPS-dependent adults that are too intimidated by traditional orienteering.
Every time GPS + orienteering comes up on Attackpoint I basically make the same point: the iPhone already has the capability to revolutionize the map & compass. The iPhone has a camera, a touch screen, a GPS, and a magnetic compass built in.
The only thing missing is a geo-referenced orienteering map, which you could either get via making o-maps available to download, or by taking a photo of the map with the embedded camera, and then doing a few seconds of touching and swiping the screen to orient and scale the map.
Once that's done, you can run with the map image displayed, and your little glowing blue dot showing where you are, within a couple of meters. And with the magnetic compass in the phone, your map will always be oriented the way you want it. And forget about the magnifying glass, you can just zoom in on the image.
You can also tap a control circle or an attackpoint on the touch screen, and using the gps and compass, the screen could show an arrow pointing the way. Additionally, you could hold the phone upright and see a live image of the camera is seeing, overlaid with directional arrows, and if close enough, a simulated control flag.
And you could do all of this without cell service!
If only I knew how to program...
Would this drastically change the sport? Of course. But it would open us up to large audiences, such as geocachers, gadget-loving kids, and GPS-dependent adults that are too intimidated by traditional orienteering.
Sep 15, 2011 7:29 PM
#
You wouldn't need cell service for it to work, so just disable the phone/data connections.
You can't put the phone in 'airplane' mode because that also disables the GPS, but if you're that worried about roaming charges, then take out the SIM card.
You can't put the phone in 'airplane' mode because that also disables the GPS, but if you're that worried about roaming charges, then take out the SIM card.
Sep 15, 2011 7:37 PM
#
ken:
I think you missed the 'roaming' joke...
regarding geo-referenced o maps:
http://okansas.blogspot.com/2009/10/orienteering-m...
http://omaps.worldofo.com/m/
regarding geo-referenced o maps:
http://okansas.blogspot.com/2009/10/orienteering-m...
http://omaps.worldofo.com/m/
This discussion thread is closed.