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Overview & Uploads

Learn how to import and structure data for the Routster analysis engine.

Routster's Analyse suite is a highly technical, precision-driven environment for evaluating orienteering performance. It combines georeferenced maps, GPS tracking, and WinSplits data to automatically detect mistakes, detect gaffling, and compute shortest paths.

The Goal of Analysis

Routster doesn't just display your GPS line on a map. It actively compares your execution against your peers and the theoretical optimal route, breaking your race down mathematically.

Uploading Data

Analysis begins with the event structure. An Event groups together map images, georeferencing metadata, course layouts, and the runners' data.

1. The Map & Course

You must provide a high-resolution map image and the course layout. Routster accepts:

  • OCAD Files (.ocd): The preferred format. Routster will parse the course and controls directly.
  • Purple Pen (.ppen): Supported for standard course planning.
  • IOF XML: The industry standard for passing course data.

2. Georeferencing

Routster relies heavily on Affine Transforms to convert GPS coordinates (lat/lon) into pixel coordinates (x/y) on your uploaded map image. You can supply a .pgw or .jgw World File during upload, or use the built-in visual Georeferencing tool.

Crucial Requirement

Without accurate georeferencing, features like deviation tracking, off-route span detection, and the ghost runner cannot function.

3. GPS Data

Upload your .gpx or .fit files. Routster will run them through its GPS parser to extract timestamps, latitudes, and longitudes. If the map is georeferenced, the engine automatically splits the GPS track into segments that map exactly to the controls of your course.

4. WinSplits Integration

For community and field comparison, you can upload the event's HTML link from WinSplits. This provides the analysis engine with the statistical data required to rank legs, find field medians, and detect gaffling.