That is not related with this thread, but you asked for it….

The issues:
· The boats data has to be complete. If there are missing boats you lose critical info. All boats should carry a GPS.
· The data has to be coherent. I’m not sure if different GPS makes or models are able to store the log data with the same accuracy. It is sure that different models will use different algorithms to extrapolate or to log dynamically.
· Origin data. I assume time is sychronized on all GPS units, not sure the same can be said for x and y coordinates.
· Extra data is needed. GPS reading for all marks, pin and RC boat. GPS reading of Start time.

So,
Let’s assume we have all data. The data is complete and coherent and we have some means to aggregate it (that seems easy). We do have a file with a lot of lines each one with: timestamp, boat_id, x-coord, y-coord, vx-coord, vy-coord

Tacticat server or client would read the data and will run a clock for regatta-time. At every timestamp the boat_id would be placed at (x,y) coordinates and would be given (vx,vy) speed. While no other record is reached, Tacticat simulator would advance the boat at the pre-assigned speed.

So far, so good.

Only problem: how to paint the boat… we know the location. The problem is with the orientation, GPS info gives no clue how the boat is oriented. We can assume that is oriented like its speed but that would produce funny results when the boat stops or go backwards.

A guestimate of cost (assuming the data is OK and accepting the previos remark about orientation): 8 programming hours, 4 for test and 4 more for packaging and webalizing.

A nice extra…. Data can be feed on-line, if GPS unit can rely the data to a ground station… : Live feed to Intenet of a running real regatta. And that for free. (I’m not counting the hardware and integration costs for a on-board GPS and signal unit).


Bottom line conclusion:
None from my side.