Study: Accuracy of Human GPS Capabilities

Runs4Food is proud to announce the completion of a study on the accuracy human GPS capabilities in collaboration with Minneapolis Law Enforcement. The purpose of this important research was to determine whether humans can accurately and in real-time identify an running route that will end in a specific location while at the same time reaching a predetermined mileage.

Here is how the study went... Diego Ramallo, editor in chief for Runs4Food and identified as 'subject A' in the study went for the usual 4-mile Saturday run. The original plan was to run to the electrical tower just past the Union Yard sign by the railroad tracks (exactly two miles) and back home.

At a randomly selected spot in the running route, a Minneapolis Law Enforcement official ('subject B'), is placed to force a change in the route. Specifically, this happened at mile 1.72 just passed the entrance to Union Yard. Subject B triggers the change by uttering the following words to subject A: "You can't be here. Didn't you see the Do Not Trespass sign?" Knowing that subject A is blaring music at exactly 85 beats per minute, subject B adds emphasis by making a U-turn motion with his right index finger. To guarantee compliance, subject B is equipped with a Minneapolis PD standard-issue gun.

To indicate acknowledgement, subject B lowers head, utters a simple "Sorry" and without missing a step (a running step, that is, since average speed is also important) , turns around. The experiment has been triggered!

Subject A's goal at this point is reaching the back of the Phoenix (identified in the study as 'handrail where subject A likes to stretch his legs after every run') while running exactly 4 miles. No more, no less. Success will require making additional turns and running around blocks to compensate for the portion of the planned route that could not be completed due to subject B's compelling argument.

Interested in the result? Was subject A able to reach 'handrail where subject A likes to stretch his legs after every run' at exactly 4 miles (measured to a hundredth of a mile)? Intrigued to see the route? Go to the Garmin Connect route player and click the play button.