[ARDF] GPS Considerations

[Charles Scharlau]

A blog entry providing a direct link to download the white paper is
provided below. A direct link to the pdf file is provided below that.
Please let me know if you encounter any issues.
https://openardf.org/index.php/2019/11/26/gps-white-paper/
https://openardf.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/GPS-and-ARDF-White-Paper.pdf


On Sun, Nov 24, 2019 at 9:43 AM Charles Scharlau <charles.scharlau at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Several years ago the IARU Region 1 ARDF Working Group added a rule (T4.2)
> that permits the use of GPS devices lacking map displays. Some have assumed
> that there is no navigation assistance possible without a digital map.
> Those folks assumed that T4.2 effectively banned all GPS navigation
> assistance during a competition. Those persons were mistaken. There is
> considerable navigation support that GPS can provide to ARDFers even if no
> map is presented. Some have begun utilizing those GPS navigational aids in
> international competition.
>
> Having been an EE who worked with GPS as part of my job and hobbies, and
> having created several GPS-related App Store apps for smartphones, I
> believe that I can speak with some authority on the capabilities of GPS and
> the assistance it can provide. To encourage informed discussion on the
> subject I have written a white paper. It is available at no cost and may be
> shared freely by all. A pdf version is attached and the latest update to
> the white paper should always be accessible here:
> http://books.apple.com/us/book/id1488654197
>
> No national ARDF team wants to put itself at a disadvantage. Since GPS
> assistance is currently allowed under the rules applied to most ARDF World
> Championships (WC) there is strong pressure for the same assistance to be
> permitted at competitions used to determine national teams. Not doing so could
> prevent a team from being adequately equipped to compete against other
> teams that are fully utilizing GPS capabilities. Because of the
> gravitational tug to conform to WC rules, all national teams are affected
> by the decisions made by the dominant regional organizations. Therefore,
> all national organizations should represent their points of view on the
> subject to IARU regional ARDF rules makers.
>
> This thread is not for debating GPS issues. The facts are laid out in the
> white paper. Those who disagree with the facts or recommendations in the
> attached document should write their own white paper, or contact me
> directly with their concerns.
>
> 73,
> Charles E. Scharlau - NZ0I
> nz0i at openardf.org
>