The idea of forcing measurers to join USATF is a non-starter in my view.
However, an online way to submit measurement data for certification could have merit. Before rushing to support it, some questions should be addressed:
1) Would the online data-submission be flexible, or would it require one standardized method to measure and collect data? Several computerized data-calculation methods have been created in the past, but stalled because they did not have the flexibility to accommodate the various ways a measurer might collect his data. A single standardized data-collection format would make the online submission easier, but would carry with it the downside of the stifling of the various ways that a measurer might choose to ride the course. Many courses are not easily measured in continuous start-to-finish or finish-to start rides. In other words, would we need to create a one-size-fits-all method and decree that this is the only way data can be submitted?
2) Where would be the certifier in the scheme? The online program could correctly calculate the data, but what of the other aspects of the submission? Does a human being ever get look at the submission?
3) Would the online method require all measurers to be computer literate? Many measurers are, but not all, especially when it comes to artistic things like map-drawing. Confining course measurement to those with above-average computer skills would force many to employ a professional measurer.
4) Human certifiers have been able to adapt to many different ways that a measurer might choose to submit data. Sometimes it is a horrible job, but with back-and-forth between measurer and certifier the job gets done. The new, “improved” online system might have to work pretty hard to achieve the same user-friendliness.
I think it’s an attractive idea, but doubt that its time has come.