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. The pdf can be downloaded here.
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@openardf.org