FASTTRACK of uk.rec.gps

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FAST TRACK ANNOUNCEMENT uk.rec.gps =======================

In the procedures established for maintaining the uk.* hierarchy there is a consensus and the proposal is straightforward and non-controversial, to proceed by the "fast-track" method, so as to avoid the necessity for holding a full vote.

I have now received a request to fast-track the following proposal:

create unmoderated newsgroup uk.rec.gps

This proposal will be activated no earlier than five days from the posting of this notice (i.e. not before April 15th), unless there are objections (of which six or more, or any one which seems to the Committee to be well founded, shall suffice to halt the process).

Objections should be emailed directly to Control at

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Changes from previous RFD:

None.

Changes from RFD1 and RFD2:

The first RFD only implied that other systems would be On Topic. Specific reference to the EU Galileo, and the Russian GLONbutt systems, added for second and third RFDs. Also reference to radio navigation systems added.

The clause in RFD1 specifically allowing technical and professional posts to be specifically On Topic has been removed in both RFD2 and RFD3.

The section of the charter on Geocaches has been rewritten from RFD2

Newsgroup line: uk.rec.gps Global Positioning Systems and radio navigation systems

RATIONALE: uk.rec.gps

GPS receivers are used in many recreational activities, walking, sailing, climbing, cycling, Geocaching, etc where it is useful to know where you are, and which direction to travel, speed etc. etc. in the middle of a moor, lake, sea, city or even motorway. Also in such recreations as rocketry for albreastude verification, tracking etc.

Geocaching is a relatively new recreation, where a cache of objects of little value are placed in a waterproof box at stated coordinates where others can find them by GPS. The new "Right to Roam" legislation together with improvement in accuracy and falling prices may well catalyze other GPS based recreations.

Some GPS recreations as in unlikely to become popular in the UK.

There are various alt.* GPS groups with the usual alt.* USA bias and propagation problems, also sci.geo.satellite-nav for the scientific community. Also several gps newsgroups for other nations. It is suggested that a uk newsgroup would be advantageous to discuss uk specific subjects, such as OS mapping, laws, regulations etc. The name "gps" is almost universally used in the UK, it has been chosen against the alternative "satellite navigation" for this reason.

It is expected that uk.rec.gps will have general GPS threads, in the same way as uk.food+drink.misc, and other uk.* groups will have threads specific to their own charters. As an example the "GPS versus map and compbutt" debate will probably continue on uk.rec.walking for the foreseeable future. It is hoped that uk.rec.gps may become a repository for uk.* expertise on GPS.

CHARTER: uk.rec.gps

This newsgroup is for the discussion of all aspects of the UK use of the US Department of Defense Global Positioning System, the EU Galileo, the Russian GLONbutt systems, and any other satellite positioning-navigation systems which may be developed. Also any improvements, or extensions to the above. Also radio navigation systems. GPS threads also occur on other uk.* newsgroups where they may be On Topic.

Advertising

Advertising is forbidden, with these exceptions:

Suppliers of goods and services relevant to GPS in the UK may post an invitation to visit their web site or request details. It should be of four lines or fewer and not posted more than once every 3 months. The subject line should begin "ADVERT: ", except for vacancy adverts, when it should begin "JOB: ".