GPS drawing, also known as GPS art, is a method of drawing where an artist uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) device and follows a pre-planned route to create a large-scale picture or pattern. The .GPX data file recorded during the drawing process is then visualised, usually overlaying it as a line on a map of the area. Artists usually run or cycle the route—while cars, vans, boats and aeroplanes are utilized to create larger pieces.
The first known GPS drawing was made by Reid Stowe in 1999. "Voyage of the Turtle" is an ocean sized drawing with a 5,500 mile circumference in the Atlantic made using a sailboat. The GPS data was recorded in logbooks and was therefore very low resolution.[1]
In 2000, after the US Military GPS satellite signals were opened up to the public,[2] artists Jeremy Wood and Hugh Pryor were able to use a newly available GPS tracker to record their movements. To display their drawings Hugh Pryor wrote a computer program which convented the GPX data into a single line to be shown on screen or to be turned into an image file.[3] With these tools in place GPS drawing as distinct artform was able to develop.
- ^ McCormick, Herb (January 16, 2000). "THE BOATING REPORT; Voyage of the Turtle Is Just a Prelude (Published 2000)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
- ^ McDuffie, Juquai (June 19, 2017). "Why the Military Released GPS to the Public". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
- ^ Miropaul, Matthew (April 1, 2002). "ARTS ONLINE; Drawing (and Doodling) With Countryside as Canvas (Published 2002)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 1, 2021.