Google “My Tracks” Uses Android GPS To Capture Outdoor Performance

Google’s new Android-only app My Tracks is a “route tracking and outdoor training aid” that helps runners, skiers, bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts capture their routes and performance using the phone’s GPS chip. The data can be uploaded to Google Docs, Google Maps (in the form of My Maps) and/or otherwise shared (e.g., via Twitter with Twidroid).

Here’s an example cycling route uploaded to Google Maps:

The GPS component makes the recording of the route and time “passive.” The example given on the demo video shows how a runner can monitor and record performance on the same route over time to determine whether there’s any improvement in speed.

My Tracks isn’t available for the iPhone. However there are a number of GPS tracking apps in the iTunes store, (such as iTrailMap 3D for Skiing).

Like Latitude, My Tracks app illustrates the kinds of product integrations that Google can do with mobile and the PC that also include interesting social elements.