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It seems that any rewrite of IARU Region I rules to permit the use of smartphones would necessarily touch on Part B, Appendix 1, paragraph:
“T4.2 The use of satellite positioning devices is allowed provided they do not contain digital map of the terrain (“nonmapping” devices).”
This will be a sensitive issue for those competing with satellite navigation devices, and ARDF receivers incorporating them. But those who maintain that the use of satellite positioning systems is equivalent to past innovations in ARDF receiver technology and running apparel are missing the point. The fundamental difference is that the use of geolocation receivers (GPS, GLONASS, etc) introduces navigation information that is derived from a source located totally outside the ARDF course and its transmitters.
From its inception, ARDF has allowed only these sources of navigation information:
o Official Course Map
o Compass Direction
o Received Radio Signals (from course transmitters only)
Those three navigation data sources constitute the foundation of ARDF: the fundamental elements of navigation in that sport. Until recently, all other navigation data sources have been absent (if not specifically banned) from the sport of ARDF.
Region 1 has changed all that with the introduction of paragraph T4.2. That paragraph has been interpreted by some to mean that, aside from the display of digital maps of the terrain, all use of GPS data is permissible.
Satellite geolocation systems derive position information from signals emitted from orbiting satellites. Such outside-the-course information, whether displayed on top of a terrain map, used in the calculation of bearings, distance calculations, the display of followed track, or any other navigational purpose, constitutes a new navigation data source. A source that can be used to substitute for map reading and compass headings, and is available even in the absence of an active “fox” radio signal.
With the addition of paragraph T4.2 to IARU Region 1 ARDF rules the sport of ARDF is now defined by four navigation data sources:
o Official Course Map
o Compass Direction
o Received Radio Signals (from course transmitters only)
o Received Geolocation Service Signals (from satellites)
Not all innovation involves the addition of new data sources. Improvements to ARDF receiver designs to decrease their bulk, or improve their performance, still allow those receivers to pull in information only from the received course transmitter signals and nothing else. Digital compasses sense the Earth’s local magnetic field in order to derive a heading, just like mechanical compasses. Course maps displayed on video screens would add convenience, but no additional map data. Cleats on running shoes improve traction for running, but don’t add a new mode of locomotion.
Satellite navigation receivers are different.
The addition of satellite signals to the definition of ARDF might be good, bad or indifferent depending on one’s perspective. But regardless one’s opinion of the benefits, the fundamental change made to ARDF should not be ignored or glossed over. And any rewrite of paragraph T4.2 should involve the rules’ authors’ careful consideration of what data sources should be included in the sport. If the door is open to allow the use of satellite navigation signals, are there other external sources that should be added as well? Is there justification for excluding anything?
But it should be recognized that although almost all smartphones include satellite navigation hardware, ARDF-approved apps will be able to include, or exclude its use so as to adhere to the rules regardless the fate of satellite-derived navigation in the sport.
