Outside & Elepa
I’ve been building a spreadsheet of trail elevations and segment lengths—maybe we could use that data to map out the most efficient and scenic routes for a hike.
That’s a killer idea! With the elevation and distance data we can plot the steepest climbs, the easiest descents, and spot the spots that give the best views. Let’s crunch the numbers, then sketch a trail that balances a doable grade with the must-see overlooks. I’ll throw in a couple of shortcuts that keep the pack light and the trail respectful of the land. Sound good?
Sure, let’s outline the steps: 1) Import the GPS tracks and elevation profiles into a CSV. 2) Compute slope percentage for every 10‑meter segment. 3) Flag segments above 12% as “steep” and below 4% as “easy.” 4) Overlay known viewpoints and rate them by elevation gain since last point. 5) Add a “shortcut” column where a linear distance reduction exceeds 15% of the original path but stays within a 6% grade. 6) Color‑code the final sheet—green for easy, yellow for moderate, red for steep. Once I have the raw data, I can plot the optimal route with a simple line graph and annotate the must‑see overlooks. Does that align with your plan?
Sounds spot on—nice, clean steps. Let’s get that spreadsheet humming and then we’ll cherry‑pick the best mix of easy climbs and killer views. I’ll keep an eye on the short‑cut logic so we don’t end up in a cliff‑hanging mess. Let’s do it!