Data Points 2.0

So I was looking at this site from Strava, a cycling and running GPS tracker that recently took the data points of their users and created a "heat map" of popular routes that have been used in the area.  As of the last update, more than 41.5 million runs were represented on the Global Heat map, In addition to showing you where to run, the information also makes it possible to see how popular various roads and routes are among runners who use Strava. In their words "160 million rides and runs totaling 375 billion data points, a fraction of all Strava activities".

As I looked at the local map of southern Utah and saw two common trails. The map gives you the option to toggle between "Run", "Bike", or "Both". As I toggled between the two I could see the St. George Marathon route, LIGHT up solid blue. On the other screen I could see the Iron Man course for the riders that loop around Gunlock/Veyo, around Sand Hollow and also the Green Valley Loop. This data is taken from uses who probably didn’t know that their personal routes, favorite secret spots that only they track on their private device is now being able to be seen by any and all users and the general public. 

Just gives you something to think about as you plan your next run, bike ride or use your personal GPS. 

Here are the Links to the article

http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/stravas-heat-map-reveals-where-runners-are?cid=social41570616&adbid=10152642507316987&adbpl=fb&adbpr=9815486986

And the link to the actual map

http://labs.strava.com/heatmap/#11/-113.62052/37.26261/blue/run