> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.racemap.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.racemap.com/live-tracking/interpolation-interval.md).

# Interpolation interval and High Resolution

The interpolation interval sets how smoothly participants move on the map. Below 10 seconds it activates the High Resolution add-on.

GPS trackers report a position every few seconds at best. To move participants smoothly between those reports, RACEMAP calculates positions on a fixed time grid. The **interpolation interval** sets the spacing of that grid.

A shorter interval gives smoother movement in the replay and more frequent updates in the live map and the data APIs. A longer interval is coarser, but cheaper and easier on slow trackers.

You find the setting in the event editor under **Advanced → Interpolation interval (in seconds)**.

## Choosing an interval

The interval has to fit the report interval of your tracking devices. Speed in the visualization is calculated over a sliding window of ten interpolation intervals, and that window needs at least two coordinates from the interpolated grid to produce a value.

{% hint style="info" %}
Set the interpolation interval to **at least 20% of your device's report interval**. A tracker reporting every 120 seconds needs an interpolation interval of 24 seconds or more.
{% endhint %}

Setting the interval far below the device's report interval does not add information. The positions in between are still interpolated from the same reports — the dots only move in smaller steps.

Changing the interval also adjusts the **Live Delay Time** so the live visualization stays smooth. See [Tracking interval, runtime & battery](/gps-devices/tracking-interval-battery.md) for choosing the report interval on the device side.

## High Resolution add-on

An interpolation interval **below 10 seconds** activates the High Resolution add-on. It is charged once per [event cycle](/billing.md) for as long as the interval stays below the threshold.

The editor asks you to confirm, and shows the current price, before applying an interval below 10 seconds.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Duplicating an event does not carry a high-resolution interval over. If the original event used an interval below 10 seconds, the copy starts at 10 seconds so that you do not book the add-on unintentionally. Set it again on the copy if you need it.
{% endhint %}

High Resolution is worth it when the movement itself is fast and close-range — cycling and motor sport on short circuits, rowing and sailing regattas, anything where participants are seconds apart and a coarse grid visibly lags behind. For road races, trail and endurance events an interval of 10 seconds or more is normally indistinguishable on the map.

Current prices are on the [RACEMAP pricing page](https://go.racemap.com/pricing).


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