Tobler's hiking function
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tobler's hiking function is an exponential function determining the hiking speed, taking into account the slope angle.[1][2][3] It was formulated by Waldo Tobler. This function was estimated from empirical data of the Swiss cartography professor Eduard Imhof.[4]
Walking velocity:
where
- W = walking velocity [km/h][2]
- dh = elevation difference,
- dx = distance,
- S = slope,
- θ = angle of slope (inclination).
The velocity on the flat terrain is 5 km / h, the maximum speed of 6 km / h is achieved roughly at -2.86°.[5]
On flat terrain this formula works out to 5 km/h. For off-path travel, this value should be multiplied by 3/5, for horseback by 5/4.[1]
