Oregon 450 track distance different than base camp distance
Former Member
I have been using the Oregon 450 for about a year.... its great... after a hike the 450 indicates a hike of 7.8 miles. When I dnload the data to Base Camp the total will be 7.2 miles why the difference ? I have repeated the situation many times... In each case the 450 shows a significantly:confused higher total ( 10 to 20%) than the base camp track summary
That difference typically has to do with how many track points are saved. The Oregon is counting distance every second, but if your track has less points, then BaseCamp will often count less distance. There is an option dealing with track options that has to do with how many points are saved. If you increase the number of points, the distances should match much closer. Sorry I don't know how to get to that option on the 450...too many devices to keep up with.
Generally speaking, if multiple measurements do not give true values you will see an accumulation of errors. For example, if you measure 100 feet along a line in a single go and compare it to summing 100 measurements of ca. 1 foot each you will end up with a different answers and neither may be the true value.
An early post stated that the Oregon trip computer updates every second. If I assume your shortest track was quickest time that translates to 2277 track points versus 10320 trip computer points. The track distance will be much closer to truth than the trip computer.
Elevation is a little more complicated. Your elevation data is based on a sensor, however with auto calibration turned on it will be using GPS elevation data to alter the barometric calibration point during your ride. I do not know how the feature works or how well it works. So, you are dealing with errors from the sensor and the GPS. GPS errors have biased and random components. I’m not sure whether the sensor will be purely random or both random and biased. Generally, an accumulation of biased errors will lead to a greater deviation from truth.
I would probably put more faith in the fewer data points as long you are collecting enough points to give a good approximation of the ups and downs.
I doubt this helps or provides any insight, but it’s the best I can do with hurting myself by thinking too hard.
