Alan,
Yes, I think ChatGPT made up some of the rules, including measuring in both directions. Perhaps, it got its information from facts outside of road running course measurement.
I started a new A.I. chatGPT and asked: Why do I need to measure a road course in both directions? The AI wrote:
There are several reasons why it is important to measure a road course in both directions:
Safety: Measuring a road course in both directions allows you to ensure that the course is safe for all participants. For example, if the course has a steep downhill section, measuring it in both directions will help you identify any potential hazards or challenges that participants may face.
Accuracy: Measuring a road course in both directions helps to ensure that the course is accurately measured. It is possible that the course may have small variations in distance or elevation when measured in different directions, so measuring it in both directions helps to account for these differences and provide a more accurate representation of the course.
Fairness: Measuring a road course in both directions helps to ensure that the course is fair for all participants. For example, if the course has a significant tailwind in one direction, measuring it in both directions will help to balance out any advantages or disadvantages that may be present.
Overall, measuring a road course in both directions is an important step in ensuring the safety, accuracy, and fairness of the course for all participants.
Then I asked: Why not measure twice in the same direction. The AI responded with:
Measuring a road course twice in the same direction may not provide an accurate representation of the course. There may be small variations in distance or elevation when the course is measured in the same direction twice, which could lead to an inaccurate measurement.
For example, if the course has a slight downhill slope, measuring it in the same direction twice could result in a longer measurement the second time due to the downhill slope. This could lead to an overestimation of the course length, which could affect the accuracy of the measurement.
Additionally, measuring a road course in both directions helps to account for any potential differences in wind direction or other factors that may affect the measurement. Measuring a course in both directions helps to ensure that the course is accurately and fairly measured for all participants.
For example, if the course has a slight downhill slope, measuring it in the same direction twice could result in a longer measurement the second time due to the downhill slope. This could lead to an overestimation of the course length, which could affect the accuracy of the measurement.
Additionally, measuring a road course in both directions helps to account for any potential differences in wind direction or other factors that may affect the measurement. Measuring a course in both directions helps to ensure that the course is accurately and fairly measured for all participants.
Not sure if this helps, but it is interesting. Thank you. -- Justin