Draw with GPS and Create Strava Art
strava artgps drawinggps artrunning art
Be creative. Draw pictures with your GPS routes. Learn how to create Strava art. You can make simple shapes or detailed images. This art will wow your followers and make your profile stand out.
1
1. What is GPS Art?
GPS art is making images and designs with a GPS route:
The Concept:
You plan a route on a map. This path creates a shape, a letter, or a drawing when seen from above. You can upload these routes to Strava. They become works of art.
Popular GPS Art Examples:
• Holiday themes (Christmas trees, hearts)
• Animals and creatures
• Written messages and proposals
• Company logos and symbols
• Portraits and faces
• Geometric patterns
• Local landmarks
Why Create GPS Art?
• Stand out in the Strava community
• A creative way to celebrate special occasions
• Propose to someone in a unique way
• Support causes with symbolic routes
• Challenge your planning skills
• Create memorable running experiences
Famous GPS Art Achievements:
Artists have made amazing GPS drawings. Some made marriage proposals seen from space. Others made art that crossed whole cities. These designs took hours to plan and run.
The Concept:
You plan a route on a map. This path creates a shape, a letter, or a drawing when seen from above. You can upload these routes to Strava. They become works of art.
Popular GPS Art Examples:
• Holiday themes (Christmas trees, hearts)
• Animals and creatures
• Written messages and proposals
• Company logos and symbols
• Portraits and faces
• Geometric patterns
• Local landmarks
Why Create GPS Art?
• Stand out in the Strava community
• A creative way to celebrate special occasions
• Propose to someone in a unique way
• Support causes with symbolic routes
• Challenge your planning skills
• Create memorable running experiences
Famous GPS Art Achievements:
Artists have made amazing GPS drawings. Some made marriage proposals seen from space. Others made art that crossed whole cities. These designs took hours to plan and run.
[Image: Gallery of impressive GPS art examples from around the world]
2
2. Planning Your GPS Art
Good GPS art starts with a good plan:
Choosing Your Canvas:
Your "canvas" is the area you will use for your art:
• Neighborhoods (many streets to use)
• City centers (good for blocky shapes)
• Parks with multiple paths
• Rural areas with road networks
• College campuses
Design Difficulty Levels:
Beginner (Simple Shapes):
• Hearts
• Stars
• Circles
• Basic letters
• Smiley faces
Intermediate (Recognizable Objects):
• Animals (cats, dogs, dinosaurs)
• Holiday symbols (Christmas trees, pumpkins)
• Sports equipment
• Simple vehicles
Advanced (Complex Art):
• Portraits
• Detailed scenes
• Multiple objects
• Text messages
• Company logos
Planning Tools:
• Satellite map view for route planning
• Drawing software to sketch your design
• Easy Jockey's map tool
• Google Maps to see the streets
• Paper and pencil to sketch ideas
Choosing Your Canvas:
Your "canvas" is the area you will use for your art:
• Neighborhoods (many streets to use)
• City centers (good for blocky shapes)
• Parks with multiple paths
• Rural areas with road networks
• College campuses
Design Difficulty Levels:
Beginner (Simple Shapes):
• Hearts
• Stars
• Circles
• Basic letters
• Smiley faces
Intermediate (Recognizable Objects):
• Animals (cats, dogs, dinosaurs)
• Holiday symbols (Christmas trees, pumpkins)
• Sports equipment
• Simple vehicles
Advanced (Complex Art):
• Portraits
• Detailed scenes
• Multiple objects
• Text messages
• Company logos
Planning Tools:
• Satellite map view for route planning
• Drawing software to sketch your design
• Easy Jockey's map tool
• Google Maps to see the streets
• Paper and pencil to sketch ideas
[Image: Planning workspace showing design sketches and map overlays]
3
3. Using Easy Jockey for GPS Art
Easy Jockey's map tool is perfect for GPS art:
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Sketch Your Design
Start with a simple sketch. Keep it simple for your first try.
2. Open the Map Tool
Open the Easy Jockey route tool. Find your chosen area. Zoom in to see street details.
3. Identify Key Points
Mark the key points of your design:
• Outline edges
• Important curves
• Connection points
• Start and end locations
4. Draw Your Route
Click to place GPS points on streets to make your design:
• Follow real roads. This makes it look real.
• Connect points smoothly.
• Avoid overlapping unless you mean to.
• Create closed loops where needed.
5. Refine and Adjust
Fine-tune your route:
• Add detail points
• Smooth rough edges
• Make sure the path is continuous
• Check the overall shape
6. Add Realistic Data
Add real GPS details:
• Natural "wobble"
• A good pace
• Elevation data
• Proper timestamps
7. Preview and Export
Check your art at different zoom levels. Then export it as a GPX file.
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Sketch Your Design
Start with a simple sketch. Keep it simple for your first try.
2. Open the Map Tool
Open the Easy Jockey route tool. Find your chosen area. Zoom in to see street details.
3. Identify Key Points
Mark the key points of your design:
• Outline edges
• Important curves
• Connection points
• Start and end locations
4. Draw Your Route
Click to place GPS points on streets to make your design:
• Follow real roads. This makes it look real.
• Connect points smoothly.
• Avoid overlapping unless you mean to.
• Create closed loops where needed.
5. Refine and Adjust
Fine-tune your route:
• Add detail points
• Smooth rough edges
• Make sure the path is continuous
• Check the overall shape
6. Add Realistic Data
Add real GPS details:
• Natural "wobble"
• A good pace
• Elevation data
• Proper timestamps
7. Preview and Export
Check your art at different zoom levels. Then export it as a GPX file.
[Image: Easy Jockey interface showing GPS art creation in progress]
4
4. Tips for Better GPS Art
Learn these tips to make great GPS art:
Route Planning Strategies:
Work Backwards:
Start with your image. Then, find streets that match that shape. Do not try to force a shape onto roads that do not fit.
Use What's Available:
Use the streets you see:
• Cul-de-sacs are good for circles
• Grids are good for blocky shapes
• Curved roads are good for flowing forms
• Highway exits have complex curves
Simplify Your Design:
Simple is better. A simple, bold design is easy to see. Hard details are often lost.
Scale Appropriately:
Bigger is often better:
• Small designs can look messy
• Big routes are more impressive
• Size affects how clear it looks
• Think about your audience
Technical Tips:
Maintain Continuity:
Your route should be one long path with no gaps. (Unless you plan to use more than one segment).
Control Line Thickness:
The space between points changes the line:
• Close points = thicker lines
• Sparse points = thinner lines
Avoid Overlaps:
Do not let your route overlap. This can confuse the image.
Test Different Views:
Check how your art looks at different zoom levels on Strava.
Consider Orientation:
Make sure your design is facing the right way. Most people see maps with North at the top.
Route Planning Strategies:
Work Backwards:
Start with your image. Then, find streets that match that shape. Do not try to force a shape onto roads that do not fit.
Use What's Available:
Use the streets you see:
• Cul-de-sacs are good for circles
• Grids are good for blocky shapes
• Curved roads are good for flowing forms
• Highway exits have complex curves
Simplify Your Design:
Simple is better. A simple, bold design is easy to see. Hard details are often lost.
Scale Appropriately:
Bigger is often better:
• Small designs can look messy
• Big routes are more impressive
• Size affects how clear it looks
• Think about your audience
Technical Tips:
Maintain Continuity:
Your route should be one long path with no gaps. (Unless you plan to use more than one segment).
Control Line Thickness:
The space between points changes the line:
• Close points = thicker lines
• Sparse points = thinner lines
Avoid Overlaps:
Do not let your route overlap. This can confuse the image.
Test Different Views:
Check how your art looks at different zoom levels on Strava.
Consider Orientation:
Make sure your design is facing the right way. Most people see maps with North at the top.
[Image: Before and after examples showing design refinement]
5
5. Creative Ideas and Inspiration
Try these creative ideas for your GPS art:
Seasonal and Holiday Designs:
• Valentine's Day: Hearts and "LOVE" messages
• Christmas: Trees, Santa, snowflakes
• Halloween: Pumpkins, ghosts, bats
• Easter: Eggs and bunnies
• New Year: "2024" or fireworks
Personal Milestones:
• Marriage proposals (spell "MARRY ME")
• Anniversary celebrations
• Birthday tributes
• Graduation messages
• Marking big achievements
Causes and Awareness:
• Awareness ribbons for causes
• Charity symbols
• Routes to remember someone
• Community support messages
Local Pride:
• City skyline outlines
• Drawing local landmarks
• Sports team logos (unofficial)
• Regional symbols
Artistic Challenges:
• Copy famous paintings
• Draw your pet's portrait
• Create abstract art
• Make a city-wide mural
• Work with other runners to make a giant piece of art
Series and Collections:
Create themed collections:
• The alphabet (all 26 letters)
• Animal kingdom
• Food items
• Emojis and symbols
Seasonal and Holiday Designs:
• Valentine's Day: Hearts and "LOVE" messages
• Christmas: Trees, Santa, snowflakes
• Halloween: Pumpkins, ghosts, bats
• Easter: Eggs and bunnies
• New Year: "2024" or fireworks
Personal Milestones:
• Marriage proposals (spell "MARRY ME")
• Anniversary celebrations
• Birthday tributes
• Graduation messages
• Marking big achievements
Causes and Awareness:
• Awareness ribbons for causes
• Charity symbols
• Routes to remember someone
• Community support messages
Local Pride:
• City skyline outlines
• Drawing local landmarks
• Sports team logos (unofficial)
• Regional symbols
Artistic Challenges:
• Copy famous paintings
• Draw your pet's portrait
• Create abstract art
• Make a city-wide mural
• Work with other runners to make a giant piece of art
Series and Collections:
Create themed collections:
• The alphabet (all 26 letters)
• Animal kingdom
• Food items
• Emojis and symbols
[Image: Collection of creative GPS art examples by category]
6
6. How to Make Your Art
You have two main ways to make your GPS art:
Option 1: Run or Cycle It for Real
This is the classic way. You follow the route you planned:
Pros:
• It's real GPS data
• It's a real achievement
• You did the physical work
• It makes a great story
Cons:
• It takes a long time
• It is hard work
• It depends on the weather
• You may need to turn around a lot
Tips for Real Runs:
• Practice the route first
• Bring the map on your phone
• Give yourself extra time to find your way
• Watch out for traffic
• Have a backup plan
Option 2: Simulate It with Easy Jockey
Make the GPS art on your computer:
Pros:
• It is perfectly accurate
• No hard work needed
• Weather does not matter
• You can try again until it is perfect
• You can make art anywhere in the world
Cons:
• It is not a "real" physical run
• It doesn't count for fitness
• It is purely for art
When to Simulate:
• To test a hard design
• To create art in a faraway place
• When the weather is bad
• If you are not able to run it
• If it is just for fun
Hybrid Approach:
Plan with Easy Jockey. Then, go run the route. This gives you the best of both.
Option 1: Run or Cycle It for Real
This is the classic way. You follow the route you planned:
Pros:
• It's real GPS data
• It's a real achievement
• You did the physical work
• It makes a great story
Cons:
• It takes a long time
• It is hard work
• It depends on the weather
• You may need to turn around a lot
Tips for Real Runs:
• Practice the route first
• Bring the map on your phone
• Give yourself extra time to find your way
• Watch out for traffic
• Have a backup plan
Option 2: Simulate It with Easy Jockey
Make the GPS art on your computer:
Pros:
• It is perfectly accurate
• No hard work needed
• Weather does not matter
• You can try again until it is perfect
• You can make art anywhere in the world
Cons:
• It is not a "real" physical run
• It doesn't count for fitness
• It is purely for art
When to Simulate:
• To test a hard design
• To create art in a faraway place
• When the weather is bad
• If you are not able to run it
• If it is just for fun
Hybrid Approach:
Plan with Easy Jockey. Then, go run the route. This gives you the best of both.
[Image: Comparison of planning interface vs real GPS watch recording]
7
7. Sharing Your GPS Art
Show off your hard work:
Strava Sharing:
• Write a fun description to explain your art
• Use relevant hashtags (#GPSArt, #StravaArt)
• Post at busy times for more views
• Tag your location
• Ask for kudos and comments
Social Media:
• Post screenshots on Instagram
• Post to Facebook running groups
• Tweet your creation
• Share it on Reddit (r/Strava, r/running)
• Make TikTok/YouTube videos of how you made it
Activity Title Ideas:
• "Ran a [object] today!"
• "GPS Drawing: [title]"
• "Strava Art: [description]"
• "[Holiday] Special Route"
• "Can you see the [object]?"
Documentation:
• Screenshot your route from many zoom levels
• Record your planning
• Share stats (distance, time)
• Explain any problems you solved
• Share "making of" details
Building a Following:
• Create your own style
• Post new art often
• Talk to other GPS artists
• Take requests from your followers
• Work on projects with others
Community Engagement:
• Join GPS art groups
• Enter art challenges
• Share your tips
• Inspire other people
• Praise other artists' work
Strava Sharing:
• Write a fun description to explain your art
• Use relevant hashtags (#GPSArt, #StravaArt)
• Post at busy times for more views
• Tag your location
• Ask for kudos and comments
Social Media:
• Post screenshots on Instagram
• Post to Facebook running groups
• Tweet your creation
• Share it on Reddit (r/Strava, r/running)
• Make TikTok/YouTube videos of how you made it
Activity Title Ideas:
• "Ran a [object] today!"
• "GPS Drawing: [title]"
• "Strava Art: [description]"
• "[Holiday] Special Route"
• "Can you see the [object]?"
Documentation:
• Screenshot your route from many zoom levels
• Record your planning
• Share stats (distance, time)
• Explain any problems you solved
• Share "making of" details
Building a Following:
• Create your own style
• Post new art often
• Talk to other GPS artists
• Take requests from your followers
• Work on projects with others
Community Engagement:
• Join GPS art groups
• Enter art challenges
• Share your tips
• Inspire other people
• Praise other artists' work
Conclusion
GPS art turns a normal run into a piece of art. It mixes fitness with creativity. You can run your design for real. Or, you can create it in Easy Jockey. Both ways are fun. Start with simple shapes. Then, move to harder designs. Do not be afraid to try new things. The Strava community loves creative routes. Your art can inspire other people. Get started today. Turn the world into your canvas.