Software for Course Measurement Calculations

I do my calculations the same way, using Excel. I know of no one-size-fits-all program to handle all the variations I might use during a measurement.

I didn't even know Excel had an auto-backup feature. Now I do. I do a hand backup every few minutes or whenever I make a significant change to the program.

I use a template that I have developed in Excel. On sheet 1 I enter a bunch of general info, like name of the event, distance etc. On sheet 2 I put my calibration data. On sheet three all my measurement data. The template completes much of the cert forms for me, I just have to update a few items that I have highlited in green. I still have to format the data so it makes sense, but the headers are all there. If anyone wants a copy of this to look at just send me an e-mail and I'll forward it to you. My e-mail is: pauladams@telus.net.

See my comment today on spreadsheets under "Data Presentation" and "Electronic Measurement".

I asked Paul to send his spreadsheet and he did.
It's a fine piece of work.

I agree. Paul's spreadsheet is a fine piece of work and it sets an excellent standard for comprehensive presentation of the data and calculations. I was not able to run the spreadsheet with my cheapskate MS Works, but Paul sent me some .pdf files of the output. I can see that any software which can do everything that Paul's spreadsheet does will be useful for complicated measurements.

So far, I have identified 50 DIFFERENT types of information, which need to be recorded and manipulated by any software hoping to produce a measurement report for most course measurements. I can appreciate why it has not been fully automated before.

In the past I have rather enjoyed modifying spreadsheets to accommodate the complexities of a course measured in numerous pieces. However, I find that after a many years it is now longer a rewarding challenge. I would rather produce a clean report as quickly (with as little effort) as possible. I am writing a script to do it - and it is proving quite a challenge. Ultimately the script could be web-based and perhaps could have a capability of taking data from spreadsheets, or outputting data to spreadsheets for measurers to be able to play further with their data.

I find that preparing a measurement report is a 5 step process:
1. Copy all the information from the measurer's field note book into electronic form.
2. Produce measurement results for each continuous ride.
3. Select from the continuous rides the pieces needed to make up the course.
4. Produce nicely formatted printouts from the above.
5. Add maps/ sketches/ photos to the printout.

It would be great to have ideas for features which should be included in steps 1 to 4. I have already had a few votes to another post containing a poll asking for the range of units people use in reports.

Mike,

You might have better luck using OpenOffice rather than MS Works as a replacement for Excel.

http://www.openoffice.org/

Mark

Thanks Neal,

Extremely good advice.

I just turned down an offer of a free copy of Excel. It is just a question of when to take the plunge of converting myself to Open Office. At the moment the computing part of my brain is fully engaged on a number of other projects, and I don't want the distractions of a new office package.

Anyway, despite their value for quick work, I have quite gone off spreadsheets for longer term projects now that I have got somewhat practised with PHP and MySql databases.

PLEASE I AM ASKING ABOUT ANY SHEETS PAPERS METHODE OF CALCULATION REPORT AND ANYTHING ABOUT MEASURMENT THANKS
BEST RTEGARDS
ALI SABBAGH

Dear Ali,

Go to www.rrtc.net. Download the book "Course Measurement Procedures." It describes how things are done in USA. The USA method is similar to the method used by IAAF.

You can download the IAAF Manual at: IAAF Manual

It is a good place to start. Others may also have advice.

thank you mr.pete riegel for your help and i wish to be always in contact
ali sabbagh