I guess I'm old fashioned and should start measuring with the electronic counters.
In the meantime, while measuring with the JO counter, I will still need a sharp pencil, paper and a calculator. The Palm handheld device, with it's spreadsheet, replaced my calculator. While the spreadsheet templates that I posted may be used on a desktop computer, they are most useful in the field on a Palm handheld device where I can enter the data and make adjustments to the calculations. (I use Quicksheet on the Palm. Cell formulas and data are easily edited on the handheld. )
All course measurements are unique. However, some calculations are routine and may be automated. For example, while a very simple calculation, calculating the working constant and the constant for the day from the pre and post cal rides is quickly performed on the handheld spreadsheet.
Calculating the splits is a simple routine calculation as well that is easily performed on a handheld spreadsheet.
The course adjustment is the least likely to fit a standard spreadsheet template. For clarity, I set up the adjustment template from the example in the Measurement Manual. I reality, my measurement rides are more like Pete's example. That is, my first ride is from start to finish without taking mile splits. I'll adjust the start and finish as necessary, and then make a second ride, locating mile splits along the way.
If I can, I'll pre-plan the course and modify the adjustment spreadsheet at home. In the field, if the template does not fit, I can make simple modifications like adding or skipping split points.
If the course is complex, I'll use the paper, pencil and calculator and check them on the spreadsheet after I return home.
I separated the measurement tasks into three spreadsheet templates. One template is for pre and post calibrations. Another template is for calculating splits and third is for calculating the course adjustment. The user may select to use and modify any of the three templates. A new user may want to start with just the calibration and splits templates.
My handheld spreadsheets templates do not fit every situation or user but it's my hope that they may be developed into tool to make the measurers task a little bit easier. -- Justin