Email

Often called “The Last Great Race on Earth,” the Iditarod is a true test of will, pitting humans and animals against nature. A driver (called a musher), along with a teams of a dozen or so dogs, spends a little more or a little less than 2 weeks in the contest that covers more than 1150 miles. If you didn’t know, the race, which began last Saturday, takes place in Alaska. This is not a race for the weak.

So where does technology fit into this great struggle of wills survive some of the world’s harshest temperatures and terrain?

This year 15 Iditarod teams will take GPS tracking devices along for the ride. As they travel along the cold, harsh and remotes Alaskan landscape, folks who are warm and toasty near a computer will be able to follow along online in real time.

In the past, a team that was in any sort of danger was out of reach, but using GPS tracking changes that. If for some reason, a musher or any of the dogs is in need of aid, their location will be known.

Reaction to the use of GPs tracking devices has been divided. Some are all for it, while others feel like this use of technology spoils the integrity of the race. So not all of this year’s participants are using the 2 pound GPS tracking devices. From a publicity standpoint, it is a great idea because it gets interested observers of the race more involved.

You don’t have to go racing along the Alaskan tundra to realize just how useful a GPS tracking device can be. GPS tracking devices can be of assistance in your time of need anywhere you are.