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{{short description|Method of drawing}}
{{short description|Method of drawing}}
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'''GPS drawing''', also known as '''GPS art''', is a method of [[drawing]] where an artist uses a [[Global Positioning System]] (GPS) device and follows a pre-planned route to create a large-scale picture or pattern. The .GPX data file recorded during the drawing process is then visualised, usually overlaying it as a line on a map of the area. Artists usually run or cycle the route—while cars, vans, boats and aeroplanes are utilized to create larger pieces.
[[File:Cambridge_cat_map.svg|thumb|GPS art with kilometre marks tracing out a cat on major roads of [[Cambridge]], England]]
⚫
'''GPS Drawing,''' also known as '''GPS Art''', is a method of [[drawing]] where an artist uses a [[Global Positioning System]] (GPS) device and follows a pre-planned route to create a large-scale picture or pattern. The .GPX data file recorded during the drawing process is then visualised, usually overlaying it as a line on a map of the area. Artists usually run or cycle the route—while cars, vans, boats and aeroplanes are utilized to create larger pieces.


The first known GPS drawing was made by [[Reid Stowe]] in 1999. "Voyage of the Turtle" is an ocean sized drawing with a 5,500 mile circumference in the Atlantic made using a sailboat. The GPS data was recorded in logbooks and was therefore very low resolution.<ref>{{Cite news|last=McCormick|first=Herb|date=2000-01-16|title=THE BOATING REPORT; Voyage of the Turtle Is Just a Prelude (Published 2000)|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/16/sports/the-boating-report-voyage-of-the-turtle-is-just-a-prelude.html|access-date=2021-01-01|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
The first known GPS drawing was made by [[Reid Stowe]] in 1999. "Voyage of the Turtle" is an ocean sized drawing with a 5,500 mile circumference in the Atlantic made using a sailboat. The GPS data was recorded in logbooks and was therefore very low resolution.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McCormick |first=Herb |date=January 16, 2000 |title=THE BOATING REPORT; Voyage of the Turtle Is Just a Prelude (Published 2000) |language= |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/16/sports/the-boating-report-voyage-of-the-turtle-is-just-a-prelude.html |access-date=January 1, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


In 2000, after the US Military GPS satellite signals were opened up to the public,<ref>{{Cite web|last=McDuffie|first=Juquai|date=2017-06-19|title=Why the Military Released GPS to the Public|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/a26980/why-the-military-released-gps-to-the-public/|access-date=2021-01-01|website=Popular Mechanics|language=en-US}}</ref> artists Jeremy Wood and Hugh Pryor were able to use a newly available GPS tracker to record their movements. To display their drawings Hugh Pryor wrote a computer program which convented the GPX data into a single line to be shown on screen or to be turned into an image file.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Miropaul|first=Matthew|date=2002-04-01|title=ARTS ONLINE; Drawing (and Doodling) With Countryside as Canvas (Published 2002)|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/01/arts/arts-online-drawing-and-doodling-with-countryside-as-canvas.html|access-date=2021-01-01|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> With these tools in place GPS drawing as distinct artform was able to develop.
In 2000, after the US Military GPS satellite signals were opened up to the public,<ref>{{Cite web |last=McDuffie |first=Juquai |date=June 19, 2017 |title=Why the Military Released GPS to the Public |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/a26980/why-the-military-released-gps-to-the-public/ |access-date=January 1, 2021 |website=Popular Mechanics |language=}}</ref> artists Jeremy Wood and Hugh Pryor were able to use a newly available GPS tracker to record their movements. To display their drawings Hugh Pryor wrote a computer program which convented the GPX data into a single line to be shown on screen or to be turned into an image file.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Miropaul |first=Matthew |date=April 1, 2002 |title=ARTS ONLINE; Drawing (and Doodling) With Countryside as Canvas (Published 2002) |language= |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/01/arts/arts-online-drawing-and-doodling-with-countryside-as-canvas.html |access-date=January 1, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> With these tools in place GPS drawing as distinct artform was able to develop.
[[File:Teddy Bear GPS Drawing.jpg|alt=GPS drawing of a Teddy Bear by Volker Weinlich.|thumb|"Teddy Bear" planned and drawn by Volker Weinlich. Volker cycled this route is 60km long in [[Braunschweig]], Germany]]


==Planning==
==Planning==
GPS artists can spend many hours finding a certain image or text hidden in a map or can sometimes simply see an existing image in a map due to [[Pareidolia]]. In many cities and towns the road layout and landscape restricts the routes available so artists have to find creative ways to show their pictures or characters. In cities where there is a strong grid pattern an 8-bit style or [[pixelated]] images can be created of almost any object or shape. Many artists will create paper or digital maps of their route to follow on their journey.
GPS artists can spend many hours finding a certain image or text hidden in a map or can sometimes simply see an existing image in a map due to [[pareidolia]]. In many cities and towns the road layout and landscape restricts the routes available so artists have to find creative ways to show their pictures or characters. In cities where there is a strong grid pattern [[8-bit computing|8-bit]]-style or [[pixelated]] images can be created of almost any object or shape. Many artists will create paper or digital maps of their route to follow on their journey.

Several websites have arisen (including RouteDoodle.com and GPSArtify.com) to aid in the planning process.


== Artistic style ==
== Artistic style ==
There are many approaches to GPS Drawing which an artist can choose depending or their means of travel and the landscape around them.
There are many approaches to GPS drawing which an artist can choose depending on their means of travel and the landscape around them.


=== Roads, trails, and paths only ===
=== Roads, trails, and paths only ===
This style uses only pre existing roads, paths, trails, etc. which can make it more challenging to find a route and plan the artwork. On the other hand following these paths makes navigation during the journey much easier and the artwork is more likely to reflect the original plan. This is how the majority of GPS drawings are made.
One style uses only pre-existing roads, paths, trails, etc. This can make it more challenging to find a route and plan the artwork. Working on pre-existing routes can make navigation easier, and the artwork is more likely to reflect the original plan. This is how the majority of GPS drawings are made.


=== Freehand on open ground or in open air or open water ===
=== Freehand ===
[[File:Freehand GPS Drawing by Michael Kutzner from Berlin, Germany.jpg|thumb|Freehand GPS Art, drawn by Michael Kutzner with running in Volkspark Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany. 8,5 km]]
Freehand GPS drawing is where artist creates a shape on open ground without following existing paths which means the artist has to watch their progress in real time on their GPS device. Artists can run or cycle over open ground such as parks, fields, and car parks. Artists in cars and other motor vehicles can draw shapes on large open areas such as deserts, airfields, and beaches. Almost all artworks created by aircraft and watercraft use this technique as they are not restricted by human and [[physical geography]]. Freehand GPS drawing opens unlimited possibilities but without [[waypoint]]s and existing routes it is very easy to lose track of your progress and make mistakes.
In freehand GPS drawing, an artist creates a shape on open ground, air, or water without following existing paths. This means the artist has to watch their progress in real time on their GPS device. Artists can run or cycle over open ground such as parks, fields, and car parks. Artists in cars and other motor vehicles can draw shapes on large open areas such as deserts, airfields, and beaches. Almost all artworks created by aircraft and watercraft use this technique as they are not restricted by human and [[physical geography]]. Freehand GPS drawing opens unlimited possibilities but without [[waypoint]]s and existing routes it is very easy to lose track of your progress and make mistakes.


=== Connect the dots ===
=== Connect the dots ===
By pausing the GPS device and restarting it at different locations an artist is able to draw straight lines across the map in a similar way to a [[connect the dots]] puzzle. This means the artist can draw over the built environment and over physical barriers such as rivers and hills. Though this can create very striking images and open up new possibilities, most artists do not use technique.
By pausing the GPS device and restarting it at different locations an artist is able to draw straight lines across the map in a similar way to a [[connect the dots]] puzzle. This means the artist can draw over the built environment and over physical barriers such as rivers and hills.


=== Adding extra images ===
=== Adding extra images ===
Some artists add extra images or lines to the map after they have created the route. They can do this to simply add [[googly eyes]] to an animal or face or go further and add lines and other features which help viewers see what they have drawn. Other times an artist will show a photo or other image alongside their drawing if it is not clear at first glance what has been drawn.
Some artists add extra images or lines to the map after they have created the route. They can simply add [[googly eyes]] to an animal or face or go further and add lines and other features which help viewers see what they have drawn. Other times an artist will show a photo or other image alongside their drawing if it is not clear at first glance what has been drawn.


=== Other ways of generating and collecting GPX data files ===
=== Other methods ===
Artist can collaborate with each other or members of the public to create larger images, visualisations, collages and even GPS Animations from multiple GPX files or routes images. GPS devices can also be given to people or attached to vehicles which are tracked as they go about normal life or take part in specific activities and the GPX data is then visualised.
Artists can collaborate with each other or members of the public to create larger images, visualisations, collages and even GPS animations from multiple GPX files or routes images. GPS devices can also be given to people or attached to vehicles which are tracked as they go about normal life or take part in specific activities and the GPX data is then visualised.


In the freestyle method of GPS Drawing, the path followed by the GPS receiver is random or semi random following set of pre determined rules.<ref>[https://www.wired.com/2002/06/with-gps-world-is-your-canvas/ With GPS, World Is Your Canvas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222050225/https://www.wired.com/2002/06/with-gps-world-is-your-canvas/|date=2016-12-22}}. ''Wired'', June 22, 2002. Retrieved 1 November 2019.</ref>
In the freestyle method of GPS drawing, the path followed by the GPS receiver is random or semi random following set of pre determined rules.<ref>[https://www.wired.com/2002/06/with-gps-world-is-your-canvas/ With GPS, World Is Your Canvas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222050225/https://www.wired.com/2002/06/with-gps-world-is-your-canvas/|date=December 22, 2016}}. ''Wired'', June 22, 2002. Retrieved November 1, 2019.</ref>


=== Burbing ===
=== Burbing ===
A trend which emerged during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], when wider travel was restricted, was Burbing. Burbing - an appropriation of the word [[Suburb]] - is the practice of cycling every road in a suburb, and tracking this on GPS to create an intricate pattern.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2020-08-12 |title=The 'burbing' phenomenon {{!}} Newsroom {{!}} Bicycle |url=https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/newsroom/2020/08/12/the-burbing-phenomenon/ |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=Bicycle Network |language=en-US}}</ref> While the trend took off in 2020,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Isaacs |first=Lewis |date=2021-01-15 |title='Human etch-a sketch': GPS art, burbing and my attempt to recreate the Guardian masthead |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/jan/15/human-etch-a-sketch-gps-art-burbing-and-my-attempt-to-recreate-the-guardian-masthead |access-date=2023-02-25 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> one of the first examples of Burbing was created by cyclist Christian Lloyd in 2014.<ref name=":0" /> [https://www.strav.art/burbing Strav.art] documents some large-scale examples.
Burbing{{Snd}}a term derived from the word ''[[suburb]]''{{Snd}}is the practice of cycling every road in a suburb and tracking this on GPS to create an intricate pattern.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2020 |title=The 'burbing' phenomenon |url=https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/newsroom/2020/08/12/the-burbing-phenomenon/ |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=Bicycle Network |language=}}</ref> One of the first examples of burbing was created by cyclist Christian Lloyd in 2014.<ref name=":0" /> Burbing became a more widespread trend during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], when [[Travel during the COVID-19 pandemic|wider travel was restricted]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Isaacs |first=Lewis |date=January 15, 2021 |title='Human etch-a sketch': GPS art, burbing and my attempt to recreate the Guardian masthead |language= |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/jan/15/human-etch-a-sketch-gps-art-burbing-and-my-attempt-to-recreate-the-guardian-masthead |access-date=February 25, 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>


== Display ==
== Display ==
Most people use a route mapping app or other service to display their drawing online and to share on social media. Popular apps include Strava, Map My Run, and Garmin. Many artists also import their route into [[Google Maps]], [[OpenStreetMap]], Viewranger, and other map services before capturing the image to display and share. This gives the artist the option of expanding and cropping the image, orienting it another way, or tilting the map to add perspective. Some artists use [[False color|false color maps]] then choose contrasting colors for their route to create vivid images.
Most people use a route mapping app or other service to display their drawing online and to share on social media. Popular apps include Strava, Map My Run, and Garmin. Many artists also import their route into [[Google Maps]], [[OpenStreetMap]], Viewranger, and other map services before capturing the image to display and share. This gives the artist the option of expanding and cropping the image, orienting it another way, or tilting the map to add perspective. Some artists use [[False color|false color maps]] with contrasting colors for their route to create vivid images.


[[File:Heart MCR Run 2018 - By Nathan Rae.jpg|thumb|A GPS Drawing made to commemorate the victims of the Manchester Arena Bombing (Image:Nathan Rae).]]
[[File:Heart MCR Run 2018 - By Nathan Rae.jpg|thumb|A GPS Drawing made to commemorate the victims of the Manchester Arena Bombing (Image:Nathan Rae).]]


Artist Jeremy Wood often displays his drawings without a showing any map underneath. He is able to do this as the drawings are so detailed you can see the shape of the built environment or landscape in the lines. "Traverse Me" not only a maps out [[University of Warwick|The University of Warwick]] campus but also includes the map title, other text and images, a compass, scale, date signature, etc. It was made by walking 238 miles over 17 days.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Traverse Me|url=http://www.gpsdrawing.com/maps/traverse-me.html|access-date=2021-01-01|website=www.gpsdrawing.com}}</ref>
Artist Jeremy Wood often displays his drawings without a showing any map underneath. He is able to do this as the drawings are so detailed you can see the shape of the built environment or landscape in the lines. One work, "Traverse Me", maps out the [[University of Warwick]] campus and includes the map title, other text and images, a compass, scale, and date signature. It was made by walking 238 miles over 17 days.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Traverse Me |url=http://www.gpsdrawing.com/maps/traverse-me.html |access-date=January 1, 2021 |website=www.gpsdrawing.com}}</ref>


== Examples and artists ==
== Examples and artists ==


In 1999, [[Reid Stowe]] was probably the first artist to employ waypoints on a GPS-verified journey in order to render a large-scale art object.<ref>[https://www.boats.com/reviews/comprehending-reid-stowe-his-various-purposes/ COMPREHENDING REID STOWE: His Various Purposes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030132522/https://www.boats.com/reviews/comprehending-reid-stowe-his-various-purposes/ |date=2019-10-30 }}. ''Boats.com'', June 3, 2010. Retrieved 30 October 2019.</ref> This work of GPS Art, representing a baby sea turtle (1900 miles long and 1400 miles wide, with a perimeter of 5,500 miles), was performed with a two-masted schooner during the Voyage of the Sea Turtle.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=do0moguj-hIC&q=stowe&pg=PT226 The Voyage of the Sea Turtle] . (Reid Stowe). ''Cruising World'', August 2000, p. 44. Retrieved 29 October 2019.</ref><ref>[http://www.reidstoweart.com/bio.html Reid Stowe Art] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128174552/http://reidstoweart.com/bio.html |date=2016-01-28 }}. Retrieved 2 November 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jun-06-mn-44661-story.html Newlyweds to Test Marriage’s Sea Legs on 1,000-Day Voyage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030130751/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jun-06-mn-44661-story.html |date=2019-10-30 }}. ''Los Angeles Times'', June 6, 1999. Retrieved 30 October 2019.</ref> He made two more large GPS-verified drawings on his [[Reid Stowe#/The 1000-day voyage|1000-day voyage]].<ref>[http://nymag.com/news/features/68316/ The Man Who Fell to Shore] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028175710/http://nymag.com/news/features/68316/ |date=2019-10-28 }} ''New York Magazine'', 17 September 2010. Retrieved 29 October 2019.</ref>
In 1999, [[Reid Stowe]] was probably the first artist to employ waypoints on a GPS-verified journey in order to render a large-scale art object.<ref>[https://www.boats.com/reviews/comprehending-reid-stowe-his-various-purposes/ COMPREHENDING REID STOWE: His Various Purposes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030132522/https://www.boats.com/reviews/comprehending-reid-stowe-his-various-purposes/|date=October 30, 2019}}. ''Boats.com'', June 3, 2010. Retrieved October 30, 2019.</ref> This work of GPS art, representing a baby sea turtle (1900 miles long and 1400 miles wide, with a perimeter of 5,500 miles), was performed with a two-masted schooner during the Voyage of the Sea Turtle.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=do0moguj-hIC&q=stowe&pg=PT226 The Voyage of the Sea Turtle]. (Reid Stowe). ''Cruising World'', August 2000, p. 44. Retrieved October 29, 2019.</ref><ref>[http://www.reidstoweart.com/bio.html Reid Stowe Art] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128174552/http://reidstoweart.com/bio.html|date=January 28, 2016}}. Retrieved November 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jun-06-mn-44661-story.html Newlyweds to Test Marriage’s Sea Legs on 1,000-Day Voyage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030130751/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jun-06-mn-44661-story.html|date=October 30, 2019}}. ''Los Angeles Times'', June 6, 1999. Retrieved October 30, 2019.</ref> He made two more large GPS-verified drawings on his [[Reid Stowe#The 1000-day voyage|1000-day voyage]].<ref>[http://nymag.com/news/features/68316/ The Man Who Fell to Shore] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028175710/http://nymag.com/news/features/68316/|date=October 28, 2019}} ''New York Magazine'', September 17, 2010. Retrieved October 29, 2019.</ref>

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The idea was first implemented on land by artists Hugh Pryor and Jeremy Wood, whose work includes a 13-mile wide fish in [[Oxfordshire]], spiders with legs 21 miles long in [[Port Meadow, Oxford]],<ref name="kimmelman"/> and "the world's biggest "IF'" with a total length is 537&nbsp;km, and the height of the drawing in [[typographic unit]]s is 319,334,400 [[point (typography)|point]]s.<ref name="kimmelman">{{cite news |last1=Kimmelman |first1=Michael |date=December 14, 2003 |title=2003: The 3rd Annual Year in Ideas; GPS Art |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/14/magazine/2003-the-3rd-annual-year-in-ideas-gps-art.html |url-status=live |accessdate=January 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202032649/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/14/magazine/2003-the-3rd-annual-year-in-ideas-gps-art.html |archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> Typical computer fonts at standard resolutions are between 8 and 12 points.


⚫
The largest text written using a GPS device was "PEACE on Earth (60,794.07km)" in 2015 created by Yassan. This was created by travelling around the entire globe by plane. Yassan also made headlines by proposing to his girlfriend with "Marry Me"<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 17, 2014 |title=Meet the Japanese artist who made the world's largest GPS drawing for his marriage proposal |url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/11/17/meet-the-japanese-artist-who-made-the-worlds-largest-gps-drawing-for-his-marriage-proposal/ |access-date=January 1, 2021 |website=VentureBeat |language=}}</ref> a 7,163.7 km route covering most of Japan.
⚫
The idea was first implemented on land by artists Hugh Pryor and [[Jeremy Wood]], whose work includes a 13-mile wide fish in [[Oxfordshire]], spiders with legs 21 miles long in [[Port Meadow, Oxford]],<ref name="kimmelman"/> and "the world's biggest "IF'" with a total length is 537&nbsp;km, and the height of the drawing in [[typographic unit]]s is 319,334,400 [[point (typography)|point]]s.<ref name="kimmelman">{{cite news|last1=Kimmelman|first1=Michael|title=2003: The 3rd Annual Year in Ideas; GPS Art|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/14/magazine/2003-the-3rd-annual-year-in-ideas-gps-art.html|accessdate=23 January 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=14 December 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202032649/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/14/magazine/2003-the-3rd-annual-year-in-ideas-gps-art.html|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Typical computer fonts at standard resolutions are between 8 and 12 points.


⚫
In 2018 artist Nathan Rae created a #WeLoveManchester piece as part of the commemorations of the [[Manchester Arena bombing|Manchester Arena Bombing]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Helen |date=May 23, 2018 |title=The runner who made a 67-mile Strava heart all around Manchester |work=[[Manchester Evening News]] |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/strava-map-manchester-heart-runner-14694321 |url-status=live |access-date=November 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024805/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/strava-map-manchester-heart-runner-14694321 |archive-date=November 9, 2018}}</ref>
⚫
The largest text written using a GPS device was "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ6nnLTR4_s PEACE on Earth (60,794.07km)]" in 2015 created by [http://gpsdrawing.info/artist.html Yassan]. This was created by travelling around the entire globe by plane. Yassan also made headlines by proposing to his girlfriend with "Marry Me"<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-11-17|title=Meet the Japanese artist who made the world's largest GPS drawing for his marriage proposal|url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/11/17/meet-the-japanese-artist-who-made-the-worlds-largest-gps-drawing-for-his-marriage-proposal/|access-date=2021-01-01|website=VentureBeat|language=en-US}}</ref> a 7,163.7 km route covering most of Japan.


⚫
One of the most prolific GPS artists is the artist known as WallyGPX who, as of October 2018, has created over 500 pieces of GPS art. He uses pencil and paper to plan the routes around his home city of [[Baltimore]] which he then creates by bicycle.
⚫
In 2018 artist Nathan Rae created a #WeLoveManchester piece as part of the cememorations of the [[Manchester Arena bombing|Manchester Arena Bombing]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/strava-map-manchester-heart-runner-14694321|title=The runner who made a 67-mile Strava heart all around Manchester|last=Johnson|first=Helen|date=2018-05-23|work=men|access-date=2018-11-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024805/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/strava-map-manchester-heart-runner-14694321|archive-date=2018-11-09|url-status=live}}</ref>


⚫
One of the most prolific GPS artists is the artist known as [https://www.instagram.com/wallygpx/ WallyGPX] who, as of October 2018, has created over 500 pieces of GPS art. He uses pencil and paper to plan the routes around his home city of [[Baltimore]] which he then creates by bicycle.


==References==
==References==
Line 61: Line 65:
*[https://gpsart.info/en gpsart.info - GPS ART Guide in Japan]
*[https://gpsart.info/en gpsart.info - GPS ART Guide in Japan]
*[https://www.strav.art/ www.strav.art/]
*[https://www.strav.art/ www.strav.art/]
*[https://www.routedoodle.com/ RouteDoodle.com - GPS art making tool]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Gps Drawing}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gps Drawing}}
[[Category:Global Positioning System]]
[[Category:Global Positioning System|Drawing]]
[[Category:Visual arts genres]]
[[Category:Visual arts genres]]

Latest revision as of 12:19, 29 July 2024

GPS drawing, also known as GPS art, is a method of drawing where an artist uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) device and follows a pre-planned route to create a large-scale picture or pattern. The .GPX data file recorded during the drawing process is then visualised, usually overlaying it as a line on a map of the area. Artists usually run or cycle the route—while cars, vans, boats and aeroplanes are utilized to create larger pieces.

The first known GPS drawing was made by Reid Stowe in 1999. "Voyage of the Turtle" is an ocean sized drawing with a 5,500 mile circumference in the Atlantic made using a sailboat. The GPS data was recorded in logbooks and was therefore very low resolution.[1]

In 2000, after the US Military GPS satellite signals were opened up to the public,[2] artists Jeremy Wood and Hugh Pryor were able to use a newly available GPS tracker to record their movements. To display their drawings Hugh Pryor wrote a computer program which convented the GPX data into a single line to be shown on screen or to be turned into an image file.[3] With these tools in place GPS drawing as distinct artform was able to develop.

GPS drawing of a Teddy Bear by Volker Weinlich.
"Teddy Bear" planned and drawn by Volker Weinlich. Volker cycled this route is 60km long in Braunschweig, Germany

Planning

[edit]

GPS artists can spend many hours finding a certain image or text hidden in a map or can sometimes simply see an existing image in a map due to pareidolia. In many cities and towns the road layout and landscape restricts the routes available so artists have to find creative ways to show their pictures or characters. In cities where there is a strong grid pattern 8-bit-style or pixelated images can be created of almost any object or shape. Many artists will create paper or digital maps of their route to follow on their journey.

Several websites have arisen (including RouteDoodle.com and GPSArtify.com) to aid in the planning process.

Artistic style

[edit]

There are many approaches to GPS drawing which an artist can choose depending on their means of travel and the landscape around them.

Roads, trails, and paths only

[edit]

One style uses only pre-existing roads, paths, trails, etc. This can make it more challenging to find a route and plan the artwork. Working on pre-existing routes can make navigation easier, and the artwork is more likely to reflect the original plan. This is how the majority of GPS drawings are made.

Freehand

[edit]
Freehand GPS Art, drawn by Michael Kutzner with running in Volkspark Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany. 8,5 km

In freehand GPS drawing, an artist creates a shape on open ground, air, or water without following existing paths. This means the artist has to watch their progress in real time on their GPS device. Artists can run or cycle over open ground such as parks, fields, and car parks. Artists in cars and other motor vehicles can draw shapes on large open areas such as deserts, airfields, and beaches. Almost all artworks created by aircraft and watercraft use this technique as they are not restricted by human and physical geography. Freehand GPS drawing opens unlimited possibilities but without waypoints and existing routes it is very easy to lose track of your progress and make mistakes.

Connect the dots

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By pausing the GPS device and restarting it at different locations an artist is able to draw straight lines across the map in a similar way to a connect the dots puzzle. This means the artist can draw over the built environment and over physical barriers such as rivers and hills.

Adding extra images

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Some artists add extra images or lines to the map after they have created the route. They can simply add googly eyes to an animal or face or go further and add lines and other features which help viewers see what they have drawn. Other times an artist will show a photo or other image alongside their drawing if it is not clear at first glance what has been drawn.

Other methods

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Artists can collaborate with each other or members of the public to create larger images, visualisations, collages and even GPS animations from multiple GPX files or routes images. GPS devices can also be given to people or attached to vehicles which are tracked as they go about normal life or take part in specific activities and the GPX data is then visualised.

In the freestyle method of GPS drawing, the path followed by the GPS receiver is random or semi random following set of pre determined rules.[4]

Burbing

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Burbing – a term derived from the word suburb – is the practice of cycling every road in a suburb and tracking this on GPS to create an intricate pattern.[5] One of the first examples of burbing was created by cyclist Christian Lloyd in 2014.[5] Burbing became a more widespread trend during the COVID-19 pandemic, when wider travel was restricted.[6]

Display

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Most people use a route mapping app or other service to display their drawing online and to share on social media. Popular apps include Strava, Map My Run, and Garmin. Many artists also import their route into Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, Viewranger, and other map services before capturing the image to display and share. This gives the artist the option of expanding and cropping the image, orienting it another way, or tilting the map to add perspective. Some artists use false color maps with contrasting colors for their route to create vivid images.

A GPS Drawing made to commemorate the victims of the Manchester Arena Bombing (Image:Nathan Rae).

Artist Jeremy Wood often displays his drawings without a showing any map underneath. He is able to do this as the drawings are so detailed you can see the shape of the built environment or landscape in the lines. One work, "Traverse Me", maps out the University of Warwick campus and includes the map title, other text and images, a compass, scale, and date signature. It was made by walking 238 miles over 17 days.[7]

Examples and artists

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In 1999, Reid Stowe was probably the first artist to employ waypoints on a GPS-verified journey in order to render a large-scale art object.[8] This work of GPS art, representing a baby sea turtle (1900 miles long and 1400 miles wide, with a perimeter of 5,500 miles), was performed with a two-masted schooner during the Voyage of the Sea Turtle.[9][10][11] He made two more large GPS-verified drawings on his 1000-day voyage.[12]

The idea was first implemented on land by artists Hugh Pryor and Jeremy Wood, whose work includes a 13-mile wide fish in Oxfordshire, spiders with legs 21 miles long in Port Meadow, Oxford,[13] and "the world's biggest "IF'" with a total length is 537 km, and the height of the drawing in typographic units is 319,334,400 points.[13] Typical computer fonts at standard resolutions are between 8 and 12 points.

The largest text written using a GPS device was "PEACE on Earth (60,794.07km)" in 2015 created by Yassan. This was created by travelling around the entire globe by plane. Yassan also made headlines by proposing to his girlfriend with "Marry Me"[14] a 7,163.7 km route covering most of Japan.

In 2018 artist Nathan Rae created a #WeLoveManchester piece as part of the commemorations of the Manchester Arena Bombing.[15]

One of the most prolific GPS artists is the artist known as WallyGPX who, as of October 2018, has created over 500 pieces of GPS art. He uses pencil and paper to plan the routes around his home city of Baltimore which he then creates by bicycle.


References

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  1. ^ McCormick, Herb (January 16, 2000). "THE BOATING REPORT; Voyage of the Turtle Is Just a Prelude (Published 2000)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  2. ^ McDuffie, Juquai (June 19, 2017). "Why the Military Released GPS to the Public". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  3. ^ Miropaul, Matthew (April 1, 2002). "ARTS ONLINE; Drawing (and Doodling) With Countryside as Canvas (Published 2002)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  4. ^ With GPS, World Is Your Canvas Archived December 22, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Wired, June 22, 2002. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  5. ^ a b "The 'burbing' phenomenon". Bicycle Network. August 12, 2020. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  6. ^ Isaacs, Lewis (January 15, 2021). "'Human etch-a sketch': GPS art, burbing and my attempt to recreate the Guardian masthead". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  7. ^ "Traverse Me". www.gpsdrawing.com. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  8. ^ COMPREHENDING REID STOWE: His Various Purposes Archived October 30, 2019, at the Wayback Machine. Boats.com, June 3, 2010. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  9. ^ The Voyage of the Sea Turtle. (Reid Stowe). Cruising World, August 2000, p. 44. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
  10. ^ Reid Stowe Art Archived January 28, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 2, 2019.
  11. ^ Newlyweds to Test Marriage’s Sea Legs on 1,000-Day Voyage Archived October 30, 2019, at the Wayback Machine. Los Angeles Times, June 6, 1999. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  12. ^ The Man Who Fell to Shore Archived October 28, 2019, at the Wayback Machine New York Magazine, September 17, 2010. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
  13. ^ a b Kimmelman, Michael (December 14, 2003). "2003: The 3rd Annual Year in Ideas; GPS Art". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
  14. ^ "Meet the Japanese artist who made the world's largest GPS drawing for his marriage proposal". VentureBeat. November 17, 2014. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  15. ^ Johnson, Helen (May 23, 2018). "The runner who made a 67-mile Strava heart all around Manchester". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on November 9, 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2018.
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