Website Change Requests

[Kevin Sharpe]

Hi Everyone,

 

Can someone explain the difference between the "urban" and "rural" route setting on the upload page? How do I decide what to select? What do I do if my trip encompasses both route types?

 

I would also like to request a few minor changes to the website;

 

Can you include Convertible in the "type" drop down list on the upload page?

 

Can you include Tesla in the "make" drop down list on the upload page?

 

Could the map zoom to a world view by default on the data page? I appreciate that most contributors are US based, but I think we should try to encourage contributions from everywhere.

 

Many thanks,

 

Kevin Sharpe

[pdille]

> Can someone explain the difference between the "urban" and "rural" route
> setting on the upload page? How do I decide what to select?

Urban trips are those that take place in the city and involve many
stops and starts. Rural trips are in areas that are not crowded with
concrete constructions all over. They are mainly residential areas and
have less people per square mile.

> What do I do if my trip encompasses both route types?

I would say choose the one that encompasses the majority of your
trips. If they are about equal, choose the type you start out in. Your
choice won't affect the results computed, rather that information
helps us organize/analyze the type of data being collected.

> Can you include Convertible in the "type" drop down list on the upload page?

Each type listed on the drop down is linked to specific car
information. Such information includes drag coefficient, car weight,
frontal area, etc for that type. The range of these values differ per
vehicle under that type, but we use the average. We ask uploaders to
make a choice that is closest to their car and if they actually know
the specifics, to enter them in manually. If you have access to these
specifics, we would gladly add this type.

> Can you include Tesla in the "make" drop down list on the upload page?

Our database of car makes/models is obtained from a list provided by
Kelly Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com/). It doesn't have all makes/
models, which is why again we give the option for the user to enter it
in manually. We don't plan on keeping a fully up-to-date listing, but
if it truly becomes a hassle for users, we can add specific car makes/
models.

> Could the map zoom to a world view by default on the data page? I appreciate
> that most contributors are US based, but I think we should try to encourage
> contributions from everywhere.

I agree that all contributors are welcome, no matter where they are. A
major reason we focus on US commutes is due to the USGS elevation data
we have. Our physics models rely on accurate altitude data and such
information doesn't appear to be readily available outside the US.
However, as long as your gps data has barometric altitudes, then that
is the best we can get without detailed USGS type elevation data. Only
a few GPS devices make use of this. We'll consider your suggestion
though.