I've just had an e-mail from some-one asking if they can use photos on their phone to help with navigation during a fell race. Anyone come across this before? Any thoughts?
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I've just had an e-mail from some-one asking if they can use photos on their phone to help with navigation during a fell race. Anyone come across this before? Any thoughts?
Not much use in the clag!
Photos of a map presumably? Digital generation 🙄
I'm not sure if they mean a photo of the map which I think would be ok or actual photos of the route from a recce which I'm unsure about. I'm trying to clarify with them.
Be good to find out what they mean and why. They would have to also carry and be able to use a map and compass as well though.
I have used Google Earth screenshots once or twice while recceing but I do not think photos will be much use in a race. In a navigation type event this could amount to cheating (?). As said, map and compass is best!
Suppose they are tying to ensure they correctly identify a particular landmark when they get to it. Obviously done the work on reccies to be down to that level of detail, I would not have a problem.
Meant to update on this earlier. I did clarify and they meant photos of the map so they could enlarge them and see it without having to put their glasses on. I would say this is ok even though it is using an electronic device to aid navigation. I'm still unsure whether using photos of landmarks would be ok or not. The current wording seems to allow it though:
“If a race is classified ‘non-GPS’ (NG) then the use of any electronic device to delineate a route, to display current position on a map, or as a compass, will be prohibited."
Just found this on the Facebook page "The Kit Requirements for FRA Races are further clarified in respect of the fact that maps must be on paper. A conventional compass must be carried in addition to this."
So I was wrong to say that it is ok to look at a photo on a phone. As it happens the competitor involved brought a blown up copy of the map anyway.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Quinny
FRA Calendar 2019 page 13 Bottom line
What about a print-out of a picture of their phone with a map on it?
Like a meat-eater using beef to make something that tastes like a Vegan meat-substitute?Quote:
Originally Posted by noel
Or a picture of a usb-stick with a map on it? https://cdn-03.independent.ie/incomi...0/cake%202.png
https://www.independent.ie/entertain...-36295999.html
There are some people who do fell races that do not have a copy of the calendar Graham. Is the info you reference on the FRA website as well?Quote:
Originally Posted by Graham Breeze
It's in the same section ie at the end of FRA Requirements for Race Organisers and immediately before FRA Rules for Competition.Quote:
Originally Posted by Witton Park
Note: FRA Mandatory Minimum Kit (for Long A, Medium A and Long B races) comprises: waterproof whole body cover (with taped seams and integrated attached hood) + hat + gloves + map + compass + whistle + emergency food. Maps must be on paper. Compass must be conventional non-electronic type
If a runner chooses to use an electronic map, or has some photos on a phone to assist, I think it would be odd, but it seems permissible, so long as they have a paper map with them.
That may be true, but if a runner is using his phone to navigate it would be very difficult for anyone else to be sure that he was not using GPS. Therefore it seems to me better to avoid the appearance of breaking the rules even if you are not actually doing so.Quote:
Originally Posted by Witton Park
That was my conclusion too as long as they aren't using their phone to tell them their exact location. I agree it is odd which is why I posted :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Witton Park
I have OS 25,000 scale maps on my Android Phone using the app Alpine Quest. It is excelent, even with the GPS turned off is is so handy having the maps on such a simple small device. In howling wind and rain on top of a mountain it would have certain advantages.
....and such simple small devices are never likely to be compromised by water ingress in foul weather when you will be navigating, trying to wipe the screen clean so you can see it.