Track Generation

How tracks work

The running track is a colored path drawn on the campus map. HEU-keep provides two ways to create tracks: preset styles and random generation.

Preset track styles

Each campus venue has 5 preset track styles plus a Default (empty) option. The styles are pre-drawn overlay images that show different running routes on the selected field:

  • Style 1 through 5 — different pre-drawn paths for the selected venue
  • Default — no track overlay, blank map

Select a background venue first, then pick a style from the dropdown. The track appears immediately on the preview.

Random track generation

Click the Random button to generate a unique track. Each click produces a different path. The algorithm creates a natural-looking running route with these characteristics:

  • Multi-lap elliptical tracks — simulates running multiple laps around a field
  • Random walk drift — the path gradually wanders side to side, like a real runner would (not a perfect geometric shape)
  • GPS-like jitter — small random deviations at each point, simulating real GPS data noise
  • Entry and exit lines — small stub lines at the start and end, like a real Keep track
  • 5 to 8 laps — randomly chosen lap count, with random radius and center point per lap

A backend endpoint (/generate-track) can also generate tracks server-side using NumPy for more complex patterns, but this requires running the Flask backend separately.

Auto-generate mode

When the Auto-generate checkbox is checked, the track is redrawn automatically whenever you change any setting (distance, pace, weather, etc.). Uncheck it to freeze the current track.

Gradient color effect

When Gradient Color is checked, the track color gradually changes along the path instead of being a solid color:

  • Color change probability — controls how frequently the color shifts. Higher values create more color variation (default: 0.5)
  • Color change step — min and max step size for each color transition. Smaller values create smoother gradients

Next

Learn how to save your configuration and export cards in Export and Save.