What is RouteGadget
Described by its developer, Jarkko Ryyppö, as a “Web utility for drawing and comparing orienteering routes”.
This allows competitors to draw and compare their routes. RouteGadget not only shows the routes, it allows the race to be replayed, even simulating a mass start. You will actually see little squares move across the map. It really adds another dimension to post-race analysis.
Jarkko is a Finnish orienteer, and developed the Gadget as a hobby and offers it for free for non-commercial use.
Individual clubs or associations are free to use the software to setup their own databases to enable competitors to view and plot routes at club events. Jarkko's website.
How does it work?
You can either install the software on your clubs website or contact me to arrange RouteGadget UK to host if for you. Once you have a working installation the sequence of events is:
- After an event the data is loaded into RouteGadget. Three files are required:
- A JPG or GIF of the map (export from Ocad or a scan)
- XML file containing the course data (export from Condes/Ocad)
- Splits result file (7 different formats accepted)
- Competitors visit the website and plot their route on the map using their mouse.
- Anyone can then visit the site and view the routes plotted by anyone.
What can you do with it?
- Compare up to 10 competitors on screen at any one time.
- View a replay of the race, with coloured squares moving across the map simulating a mass start in line with the actual splits.
- View maps and courses from all over the world (good preparation before visiting a new area/country).
- If you have a GPS, you can upload its recorded track to RouteGadget.
What are the benefits?
- It adds another dimension to post-race analysis.
- Analyzing other people’s route choice is a good training aid.
- Analyzing your own route is a good training aid.
- Planners get feedback on how legs that they had visualised in their head, actually materialised.
- It provides added value to an event.
Can it be used for Coaching?
Quote from Nick Barrable: “You could certainly do so much more feedback and coaching back in the warm and dry by the PC, especially with developing athletes”.
Coaches can view their athletes’ performance and route choices from a distance & provide feedback. If used in conjunction with a GPS, you can see where they really went rather than where they thought they went. Let them plot their route from memory then load in the GPS track and then compare them on screen together.
08th Jan 08
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