Yukon Quest enhances use of GPS

As we wait for the arrival of the first teams into the Eagle Alaska checkpoint, we can't help notice that the Yukon Quest dogsled race is following the Iditarod's lead in use of GPS tracking of sleds to enhance the spectators experience in following a dog sled race across vast remote territory. However, the richness of information provided by the Quest by aggregating the GPS data significantly surpasses what is available from the Iditarod. It could be that once fans have a chance to enjoy the benefit the free GPS features the Quest is utilizing this year, the fee based GPS service for the Iditarod will pale in comparison.

Case in point is the Race Replay feature shown below.



It should be noted that when GPS data is not available, the tracking software merely extrapolates position between points where data has been received which may show the allusion that the team being tracked has veered of course. It is entertaining none-the-less. By clicking on the individual teams one can access additional data for that team. Here is a graph of Zack Steer's speed over time which details some interesting run/rest schedule and average speed parameters that are only available when you aggregate the data.



Use of the GPS tracking at the Yukon Quest is voluntary this year, yet only one musher declined to use it. Only time will tell if this become mandatory in future Quest's and if it becomes standard fare at the Iditarod, but this blogger beleives he has seen the future and he likes it.