Anyone know how to use this from perspective of a HT organizer? Not me but my local organization wants to use this app for their fall HT. If you know, maybe I could put you in touch.
My DH uses it for almost all of his course maps now and loves it. He downloads the course maps once he puts them all in to the app then emails them to the organizers; as far as I know the organizers don’t have to log in or use the app or anything, he does it all as part of his design fee.
Anyone can go out and create a XC course map with this app, and then upload it to share with the rest of the world. I think there are probably limitations - if you don’t have decent cell service at the venue, I’m not sure how useful the app is (can anyone confirm that, as I suspect, that you need cell service to do the GPS mapping?).
From what I understand, the course maps are most accurate when the person walking the course/creating the map, goes over (not around) obstacles. And, apparently holding the cell phone flat on your hand (parallel to the ground) while walking is also best. And, you have to take a picture of each obstacle.
(This is all hearsay - someone who has actually used the map to create, rather than view, a map, would need to chime in to confirm.)
You don’t need cell service, just some kind of GPS lock (which I’ve never had an issue getting even in places were there was zero cell reception).
I really like the app, personally, and always record/share every course walk I do. I LOVE being able to search and see courses from different venues at different levels. I’ve only been to a couple of events that used it for their “official” course walk though.
$11.99 for the app, HOLY! Not worth it to me. :eek:
[QUOTE=MsRidiculous;8319654]
You don’t need cell service, just some kind of GPS lock (which I’ve never had an issue getting even in places were there was zero cell reception).[/QUOTE]
What does a “GPS lock” mean?
[QUOTE=KayBee;8319696]
What does a “GPS lock” mean?[/QUOTE]
Basically your phone is connected to enough GPS satellites that it can pinpoint its location and “track” its movement.
Some older phones don’t have GPS in the sense it doesn’t have the ability to connect to those satellites and instead it uses nearby cell towers to triangulate its position… but phone makers still try to call it GPS when it’s really not. 
[QUOTE=LadyB;8319660]
$11.99 for the app, HOLY! Not worth it to me. :eek:[/QUOTE]
It’s been worth every penny to me! It does lots of cool things, like calculations for time and speed and distance. Not doing math or having to wheel anything is worth $12 to me.
I actually wish more people would not just use it, but publicly share their walks. It’s worth it’s weight in gold as a reference source. I love being able to look up a venue and get an idea of what’s on the course… IF it’s in there and public.
[QUOTE=LadyB;8319660]
$11.99 for the app, HOLY! Not worth it to me. :eek:[/QUOTE]
Versus buying a wheel? This is way cheaper. And easier. And more convenient. You don’t even have to pay attention to the distance if you input the speed for your level at the beginning. It dings at you to announce when a minute marker has occurred.
I’ve been using this app for three years now and it’s migrated onto three different phones. You only pay that $12 once after all.
I love the app. It’s great to be able to download old courses from venues i’ve never been to before. I wish there was a way to tell if the course has pictures before i download it though.
[QUOTE=KayBee;8319568]
Anyone can go out and create a XC course map with this app, and then upload it to share with the rest of the world. I think there are probably limitations - if you don’t have decent cell service at the venue, I’m not sure how useful the app is (can anyone confirm that, as I suspect, that you need cell service to do the GPS mapping?).
From what I understand, the course maps are most accurate when the person walking the course/creating the map, goes over (not around) obstacles. And, apparently holding the cell phone flat on your hand (parallel to the ground) while walking is also best. And, you have to take a picture of each obstacle.
(This is all hearsay - someone who has actually used the map to create, rather than view, a map, would need to chime in to confirm.)[/QUOTE]
As one who has and has used the app I’ll chime in.
One does not need to go over, but can place the phone on the fence, walk around and pick up to continue.
As I would come close to the fence I would
1 - Stop, take picture
2 - walk forward (once labeling was done) and place phone on fence
3 - Walk around, pick up phone and walk on
4 - rinse repeat to end and yes, wear waders for water questions.
The sharing part I don’t as much get unless it is just for that current show. Since courses change each time we go, looking at a past course wont do much, but give a general idea. i got in when it was less, but I do feel it is still a good price if one have the technology and does not want to pay for wheel (> $24) to get minute marks.
[QUOTE=Divine Comedy;8319944]
Versus buying a wheel? .[/QUOTE]
Mine was free, so yes it was much cheaper lol 
I use it to map my courses and it is a blessed invention from the old days of handdrawing and wheeling courses to make maps.
CourseWalk will also put in the minute markers along the track. There is also a similar app called “CrossCountry”.
I have both apps. It represents the best of horses and technology combined for sport! I would easily pay 2x for a handy little app like this.
Like and use it. I have good software that I use to draw maps for my venue. but use it to help with distances and minute markers. There is also a cousin to it called CDE Coursewalk that I have started using as well. Makes great cones maps and helped me this past weekend in measuring and marking k’s on a marathon course.
