GPS and GIS Data

[Jim Beidle <beidlej@yahoo.com>]

Hi All,

This is one of those things where I feel experienced
enough to express an opinion about. I concur with Bob
and Kat's views about using the GPS for navigation
during a ride. I don't think it would have kept me
from missing those three turns at Foothills of the
Cascades, for example. Although I might have
eventually figured out just how far I had missed them
by. :-D

Both made valid and eloquent points concerning the
issues surround their use. I can see the safety issue;
even on the redoubtable Blue mare, I have my hands
full enough that actually trying to use one of those
at the trot would be a significant and dangerous
distraction. Likewise, not all GPS tranceivers are
created equal and specifying and requiring all riders
to carry a $200 (for a decent mid-grade quality) unit
of specific brand would drive most of us out of the
sport on principle alone. (of course, somebody in the
the mare thread something about making them think it
was their idea in the first place...:-)

On the other hand, I staunchly support the idea of
using GPS tracks to create accurate maps of the route.
One of my pet projects, as I have the time and money
to do so, will be to do just that. Using a GPS and
geographical information (GIS data), it's possible to
create maps accurate to within a 10th of a meter of
any scale. With the right gear I could make a standard
topographic map in a useful scale that would allow
riders with a modicum of map training analyze and
visualize the trail before they ever set out. In the
Army they referred to this as a map recon of a route
of advance, and taught it down to the junior NCO
level.

Riders benefit the most, I admit. They can refer to
their map and pretty much know where they're at when
the get to a natural or artificial checkpoint. If
they've never ridden a particular ride, they can look
and see that they're going to have a fairly steep 800'
climb with few switchbacks over the next three miles,
and plan how to manage their horse before they get to
it. The route is less of a mystery, which, for some of
us anyway, is a good thing.

Maps produced using GIS tools have other benefits,
too. Ride management and safety personnel could more
easily pinpoint a lost or injured rider. It also gives
them a model from which they can change the ride, by
"what-ifing" new trail legs before they actually go
out and mark them. Establishing water points and vet
checks with volunteers, especially if they're green,
becomes easier with an accurate map.

Navigating by ribbons, chalk lines and glow sticks for
the longer distance folks appears to work perfectly
fine. It's not broke; it doesn't need to be fixed. But
for planning a route, or keeping records on routes,
then GIS is a benefit. It's available now, but
implementing it fully will certainly take a long, long
time.


=====
Jim Beidle


Please reply to beidlej@yahoo.com

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