POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Smartphones

Android smartphones running the GPX Viewer app - supported
Utilize GPS capability of personally owned smartphones

Click Here for more information about our GPS Device Support including support for other GPS devices not listed.

Supported Smartphones
We will support all smartphones with the Android operating system running the GPX Viewer app.

Other Operating Systems
Click Here for more information about unsupported GPS devices.

Data
Data coverage (smartphones only, not GPS Units)

download cell phone app

A smartphone is a cell phone that also has GPS capability through a separate application. Not all cell phones are smartphones, and not all smartphones have GPS capability. For GPS capabilities, smartphones depend on downloading data from cell phone towers on land and/or satellite signals also depending on the smartphone and the smartphone carrier.

If you own a smartphone with GPS mapping capability (e.g. iPhone, Android, Blackberry, etc.) we recommend using it on a supplementary basis only since there are several significant limitations to using it as your exclusive GPS unit at this time.

Right now, the biggest limitation to using smartphones is that we have been unable to find a specific reliable application to install on your smartphone that will allow you to upload our GPS route dataset files and then navigate by them on the road. If you are familiar with such an application please let us know - we would be VERY interested to hear about it and try it out!

We want to move to the point where participants can navigate the route using their own cell phone
- advantages for everyone
o less likelihood of having to paint the routes
o more likelihood we will have individual GPS units available for everyone

Want to give people the ability to use the GPS function of their own phone to follow the route for all events

Our goal is for people to use their own smartphones for GPS navigation rather than our GPS units

Data Coverage
Another significant limitation with smartphones is that most smartphone GPS mapping applications rely on continuously downloading base map data into order to keep the map current with where you are at as you travel. Accordingly, they must rely on cell phone coverage which can be unreliable in some places. In addition, downloaded data can count against your monthly data quota based on your specific cell phone plan and if you exceed your monthly data quota you might not be able to download data and update maps at all.

similar to GPS satellite signal
signal acquistion
base maps depend on, most map programs will use your data plan to download maps
- what if no signal – can still follow
if no data unable to download/install app or our route dataset files
Amount
- amount of data depends on your own personal cell phone plan
- be mindful of your data limits and current usage
- know how to check and how to increase if necessary
- We will not be responsible for any data overage charges you might incur
- most cell phone carriers allow you to check your current data usage and we highly recommend knowing how to do so before the event
- you do not want to run out of data during the event itself and not be able to download maps or unexpectedly get stuck with data usage overage charges
Coverage
- depends on cell phone carrier
- generally great coverage across our routes
- depends on carrier
o we use Verizon
- big unknown
- no way to know, just have to go out and try
Data problems - app download, route download, maps
In general same as coverage for cell phone voice capabilities
Data amount mitigation

Map Sets

Weak or Lost Signal Reception
Although it is extremely rare, it is possible that satellite signal reception could be become weak or lost due to weather or other conditions. If this happens your specific location indicated on the GPS may become much less accurate and bounce around and drift. This is particularly possible going through downtown Chicago due to tall buildings blocking the satellite signals. Since we began using GPS units for navigation in 2006 however, we have never had an issue where our GPS units lose satellite reception for more than a few seconds and we test every one of our GPS units for the proper functioning of its satellite reception hardware before each event.

Luckily, the loss of satellite reception is only a temporary condition, although it is impossible to know how long it will last. You will need to rely on another alternate means of navigation to continue riding until satellite reception is restored.

we use Verizon who has the best coverage across the state
we used to use AT&T and their coverage is very good also

Incentive for You to use Your Smartphone
Smartphones running GPX Viewer App only

Experimental stages
Work out problems, know what to expect
- pre event set up
- power
o Encourage you to incorporate power management systems (Click Here for more information about personal electronic device power)
- data coverage
- ease of operation

You must plan on attempting to only use your smartphone to navigate the route for the entire event.

We will give you a AA Battery USB charger and two AA batteries to keep ($12.00 value) as an incentive for you to test using your smartphone as your primary GPS navigation device. You must still supply your own USB cable appropriate for your smartphone on the road - we cannot provide a USB cable for you

If your phone doesn’t work
Use alternate navigation means
- cue sheets and maps
we can still give you one of our GPS units if available
- at rest stop location
o we will have spare units at the rest stop locations and you will need to wait to get to a rest stop to get a GPS unit
- carry with you on the road
- risk won’t be available
- Must still attend the GPS training session in case they need to use one of our units

Give Us
phone brand & model
- power type
Carrier
Supplementary power sources
- don’t use AA charger unless you have to
Operation
- app download and set up
- route download and set up
- settings
- operation
problems
- power
- operation
- mounting
- data
o test data coverage from a number of different carriers
o usage amount
- clarity and comprehensiveness of our instructions