Evaluation of elevation parameter determination by Global Navigation Satellite Systems’ sports receivers: A preliminary study

Abstract

Introduction: Sports Global Navigation Satellite Systems’ receivers have been providing athletes, coaches, and scientists with valuable information on movement for over two decades. As these receivers are specific measuring instruments, there is a need to determine their accuracy. This paper presents a relatively simple methodology for assessing sports receivers of this type regarding their elevation determination. Material and methods: The methodology was based on the Digital Terrain Model of Poland, a discrete representation of the topographic elevation of the land surface. Three wearable devices from different years of manufacture were selected for the preliminary study by calculating the Root Mean Square (RMS), mean elevation error, and Total Elevation Gain (TEG) measures. The testing was conducted on two sections of varying length and elevation differences. Results: During the first trial, an instrument from 2019 came closest to the actual elevation (RMS = 7.0 m; mean error = -6.5 m), while during the second trial, it was an instrument from 2014 (2.5, -1.6 m, respectively). All the receivers overestimated the TEG factor during both trials. Conclusions: The applied methodology allowed the receivers to be distinguished. Due to the preliminary, pilot nature of the study, it is subject to certain limitations and recommendations listed at the end of the article.