1. Document your training with the CalTopo app
Use the CalTopo mobile app to record time, location, and track data while you’re training.
Why use CalTopo instead of a dedicated training app that records tracks?
- CalTopo is becoming a standard mapping tool for SAR teams across the country. Just as we train like we deploy in K9 work, using CalTopo during training builds familiarity and makes it easier to use effectively on real missions.
- CalTopo supports real-time collaboration between handlers and subjects on both iOS and Android, without the need to send GPX files back and forth.
What if my team doesn’t use CalTopo?
You can still use K9 Training Log with any GPS recording app that exports GeoJSON or GPX files. For Apple Watch users, we recommend WorkOutdoors, a simple GPS tracking app for recording training routes. You can also create K9 Training Log records manually, without GPS data.
GPS for Detection Exercises
Use the CalTopo mobile app to easily record and pre-fill your logs with the following info:
- Training aid placement
Mark a waypoint when you place a training aid. The timestamp, gps coordinates, and any comments you make will be automatically imported.
- Your track
Record your track while working each exercise. Your start time and working duration will be automatically calculated and imported.
- Search area boundaries
Add area boundaries to automatically calculate the size of your search areas.
GPS for tracking/trailing exercises
Use the CalTopo mobile app to easily record and pre-fill your logs with the following info:
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Runner track
Have your subject record their track to gather set time + runner distance. Bonus – it’s automatically available on your map, eliminating the need to send GPX tracks back and forth.
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Your track
Record your track to gather worked time, duration, dog distance
If both tracks are available,_ K9 Training Log will also calculate _max distance off track
2. After training, review and export your CalTopo map
Click Export in the top left corner of the screen, select the data you want to import into your training log, and click Export in the bottom right
3. Create your training log & import your file
Open your training event and click New Exercise. At the bottom of the Exercise Info section, select Import GPS Data
4. Drag & drop or browse to your downloads to find your JSON file
5. Assign roles to each GPS object
6. Optional: Trim tracks
Click the pencil icon next to a track to adjust the start / end position, which will automatically adjust the start and end time of the track.
7. Optional: Edit Waypoint position
Click the pencil icon next to a waypoint to adjust the position.
8. Click Analyze to preview the data
If there’s anything you don’t want added to the form, just uncheck the box.
Everything prefilled from GPS will show a green Calculated from GPS badge. All fields that still need your input will be highlighted in yellow.
Other GPS Questions
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