I'll explain the tools I used, and then the information I was able to extrapolate from their use.
Firstly, I got a Blackberry Smartphone in October 2011, So I've been having a little fun with that. One of the apps I found for it is called "GPSed" (the free version); which basically is a GPS receiver that will record any track that you are currently recording. So, while I was at the ski hill for the day, I had it on record for the entire time.
When I got home, I transferred this track in ".GPX" file extension onto my MacPro, and then searched the app store for something that can open it. Conveniently, I came across an app called "Garmin BaseCamp" (another free version).
From the Garmin program, I found if I 'right-clicked' on the track for that day, I had the option to send to "Google Earth" - SOUNDS COOL - download it via google.com. And now, I take these tracks from Garmin and Google Earth can play them as a tour.
My next step with my new utilities would be to take you on the tour, via embedded google earth APIs in your web browser, or recorded and played via my YouTube channel. So that is on the way.
So you know what I used, now how about the information I get from it?
Well on my phone, before I even get home, or finish recording a track, I can see my instantaneous speed, the distance I've travelled, my maximum speed of the day, elevation and the like. All very cool and can be very useful in the right situations.
Google earth will also display the elevation profile for a given track. Garmin does the same, although google displays it better, and they also throw in one more awesome tidbit of information for gravity sport enthusiasts - slope angle! Very cool. Are you ever on the mountain and wonder just HOW steep the terrain you're on really is? You'll know now!
For instance, I will give you some tidbits of information from today, and a couple screenshots.
-Max speed today was 58.1km/h
-Max downhill slope was -54.2 degrees
-Total distance travelled including chairlifts was 37km
-Total ascent and decent are both 3852m
-Total distance excluding charlifts was 20.78km
For instance, I will give you some tidbits of information from today, and a couple screenshots.
-Max speed today was 58.1km/h
-Max downhill slope was -54.2 degrees
-Total distance travelled including chairlifts was 37km
-Total ascent and decent are both 3852m
-Total distance excluding charlifts was 20.78km
SCREENSHOTS:
The following screenshots all show data for the same location. Fig. 1 shows the slope profile and altitude for a given point. Fig 2 shows the day's travels in green, and the red arrow if equal to same location on fig. 1. Fig.3 shows the 'touring view' at the same point shown in figures 1 and 2.
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| fig. 1 Elevation Profile from Google Earth App. |
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| fig. 2 Overhead View of Track in Google Earth |
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| fig. 3 "touring" view in Google Earth, at steepest point of day |
Please let me know if this information was helpful! Thank you, and visit www.cgardiner.ca
Would you like a poster sized print of the image at the top of this post? Buy "Sunny Sunday" Art Print by Chris Gardiner online, here from only $22!
UPDATE FEB 17th 2012: I've figured out how to screen capture video, and so I've put together a video tour with photo and video, and voiceover explanation / background info.
If you came to read this post after seeing the YouTube video first; Thanks for stopping by!
Here is the link to video:
Link to GPS-Photo-Video Tour of Big White Ski Resort
and video embedded ::
