More on tracklaying…and an aside
- judisedwards
- Feb 10, 2023
- 1 min read
As I’ve watched you all work on your tracklaying, I’ve noticed many of you write notes as opposed to making a map. I have a strong (very strong) preference for a map….
I think laying the shape out before you take the first step is helpful—it means you have a plan. It also starts to ‘Program’ your brain to recognize 90 degree and open angle turns. Finally, IMHO, it allows you to mentally more quickly access the information in your brain when you are following a dog.
I have certainly seen tracklayers for test write a short novel describing the track, I do understand that might work for some. I just don’t think it gives you (students) a good handle on the track. I generally draw the shape (in pencil), and add landmarks, double line ups, ground markers etc, as I go along. I OFTEN change the shape if terrain or line ups suggest I should. But I always have a MAP I can refer back to…and one that has both notes and illustrations on it. I can describe a tree (dead woodpecker tree), AND draw it’s notable characteristics—combined, that makes it much easier to recognize in the field.
As an aside…..the last few classes have lasted past 1PM. That’s not ideal for me. In an ideal world, I’m working with one team, and the next team to run is on their way to the field to wait for me at their start flag. Please be attentive, DONT watch the dog before you….but rather, go get your dog, and wait for me at, or close to, your start. Thanks
Sent from my iPad
Any thoughts on taking photograph with camera on phone at turns to show line-ups? As opposed to, or in addition to, drawing a picture of the line-up.
I’ve wondered about changing the turn from 90° to open angle and whether I should be erasing and redrawing as I run it. My last track with Sizzle I knew the landmarks ahead of time and was able to draw the basic map before I started but that’s the first time I’ve done it that way. I typically have drawn the first leg while standing at the first flag, stop at the turn and draw the second leg and landmarks and do that for each leg. I’ve never tracked with a map before so I’m enjoying this new way of doing things.