Running Art: Man Creates Animated Dance using GPS Data and Strava
A 27-second animated video has taken the internet by storm, showcasing the creative potential of GPS technology and fitness apps. Experienced runner and cartoon enthusiast Duncan McCabe spent 10 months and logged almost 700 miles to bring his unique vision to life.
Using the popular GPS app Strava, which allows users to track their runs, cycles, and hikes, McCabe painstakingly recorded 120 separate routes across the streets of Toronto. By plotting these runs on Strava’s map feature and skillfully stitching them together, he transformed his accumulated data into a delightful animated sketch: a tiny, hat-wearing figure dancing to the catchy tune of "Purple Hat."
"You have to have a lot of frames per second to get it moving," explained McCabe, a 32-year-old accountant based in Ontario.
McCabe’s whimsical creation is a captivating example of what’s become known as “GPS art" – a digital art form that leverages the tracking capabilities of fitness apps like Strava to create intricate designs and images on maps.
From Track to Canvas: How GPS Art Takes Shape
Aspiring GPS artists use these apps to map out predetermined routes, carefully planning each turn and bend to build a larger image.
The result? Everything from simple shapes and symbols to complex figures, landscapes, and even portraits have been etched onto digital maps through dedicated walking, running, or cycling.
McCabe’s dancing figure is just one example of the diverse range of creations emerging from this unique art form. People around the world have used GPS tracking to build stunning works, boasting everything from a heel to a strawberry, a donkey, and even a majestic dragon – all by traversing carefully planned routes.
The popularity of GPS art demonstrates the merging of technology, fitness, and creativity. It allows individuals to transform their physical activity into a form of artistic expression, turning everyday journeys into mini masterpieces.
What are the tools Duncan McCabe used to create his Strava art?
## Strava Art Takes Center Stage: An Interview with Duncan McCabe
**Host:** Welcome back everyone, and joining us today is Duncan McCabe, the creative mind behind a truly captivating piece of Strava art that’s gone viral. Duncan, welcome to the show!
**Duncan:** Thanks for having me!
**Host:** Now, for those unfamiliar, tell us about your piece. It’s more than just a running route, isn’t it?
**Duncan:** Absolutely! It’s a 27-second animated dance. I used Strava to meticulously plot out my runs over 10 months, covering almost 700 miles. Each step creates a point on the map, and by carefully planning those routes, I was able to “draw” the movements of the dance.
**Host:** That’s incredible dedication! What inspired you to take on this ambitious project?
**Duncan:** I’ve always been passionate about running and animation. Seeing how Strava art was emerging, I realized I could combine those passions in a unique way. I wanted to explore the boundaries of what’s possible with this technology and show that fitness apps can be tools for artistic expression. [[1](https://stories.strava.com/articles/13-of-the-most-incredible-pieces-of-strava-art-weve-spotted)]
**Host:** How did you manage to plan such intricate movements over such a large distance?
**Duncan:** It was definitely a challenge! I used a combination of mapping software, animation principles, and lots of trial and error. I’d sketch out the dance sequence, then painstakingly translate those movements into running routes on Strava.
**Host:** And the result is stunning. What message do you hope viewers take away from your creation?
**Duncan:** I want to inspire people to think outside the box and explore the creative potential that lies within everyday technology. You don’t need fancy equipment to create art – sometimes all it takes is a little imagination and a lot of dedication.
**Host:** Duncan, thank you for sharing your incredible story and inspiring us all.
**Duncan:** My pleasure!
