Strava, the popular GPS mobile app that is designed for runners and cyclists to track their fitness routine has been downloaded and utilized by many around the world. But not quite like how it has been used by British Columbia artist Setphen Lund who utilises the app as an artistic expression, creating what he calls "GPS Doodles."
Proclaiming himself as the GPS Artist, Lund has pedaled an average of 70 kilometers in a single day for each design, and completed 70 doodles last year. He even paid homage to the 2015 Christmas holidays by doodling a collection of Christmas emblems including Santa himself.
He tallied up a total of 22,300 kilometers (13,857 miles) of cycling in 2015 (about a quarter of which was clocked just having fun drawing GPS doodles). So how long is 22,300 km? It is almost 60% of the distance around the world at the equator. It’s 0.6% of the distance from Earth to the moon. Let's see how far he will take his doodling in 2016.
GPS Map Art
Canadian Artist Setphen Lund Creates GPS Art with the Strava App
Trend Themes
1. GPS Doodles - The trend of using GPS tracking apps as a medium for artistic expression, creating unique doodles and designs.
2. Fitness Tracking Art - The trend of merging fitness tracking technology with artistic creativity, allowing individuals to track their workouts while creating visually appealing art.
3. Alternative Uses for GPS Apps - The trend of finding innovative and unconventional ways to utilize GPS tracking apps beyond their original purpose, such as creating artwork.
Industry Implications
1. Art - Opportunity for artists to explore new mediums and incorporate technology into their creative process, potentially disrupting traditional forms of art.
2. Fitness - Opportunity for fitness industry to collaborate with artists and technology companies to create engaging and visually appealing workout experiences for users.
3. App Development - Opportunity for developers to design and create specialized GPS tracking apps that cater to unique user needs, such as artistic expression.