A GPS track records a series of data points, each containing your position, elevation, and the time at that position. Together these points describe your movement through the day. Most people look at the map view and stop there, but the underlying data contains information that is genuinely useful for planning and for understanding your own patterns.
Distance and Pace
The total distance is calculated from the sum of straight-line distances between consecutive track points. This is accurate enough for most practical purposes on walking and paddling tracks. Pace, calculated as time per kilometre or speed in km/h, tells you how efficiently you moved. Comparing pace data across different walks helps you understand what terrain and conditions do to your speed.
Elevation Profile
The elevation data plotted against distance gives you an elevation profile. This is one of the most useful pieces of information for planning future walks on similar terrain. If you walked a specific route and recorded an elevation gain of 850m over 12km, you know what a similar profile feels like for your group. That reference point is more useful than a grade description written by someone else.
Time Analysis
Looking at where you slowed down in the track data tells you where the track was harder than average. Sections where pace dropped significantly correspond to steep terrain, difficult ground, or points where the group needed to rest. This information helps you allocate more time to those sections in future route planning.
Building a Reference Library
Over multiple activities, your LogsKeptSimple data builds into a reference library of your own performance across different conditions. This is more accurate than generic guidance because it is based on your actual group in actual conditions. Over time it becomes genuinely predictive for planning new activities.
