How to use the TRIPSpeed Shape tab and controls
Use this tab to decide whether the modeled speed shape tracks your FIT-derived baseline across grade.
This is the first shape-review step after Ingest.
What this tab is for
The TRIPSpeed Shape tab answers this question:
Does the modeled speed curve match the observed FIT baseline across the dataset, or is there a specific mismatch to correct?
Read it this way:
- read the main chart first
- use the top metrics and lower diagnostics to confirm the mismatch
- change controls only when both point to the same issue
Do not move controls just because they are available.
Step 1: Open the Speed Shape tab
From the Calibration Workspace, click Speed Shape.
The tab has two main jobs:
- the left side shows how the current shape compares to FIT data
- the right side exposes the shape controls
Step 2: Read the main chart first
Start with the large chart before touching any controls.
Check these first:
- does the modeled curve broadly follow the observed baseline
- is the mismatch mostly uphill, downhill, or near the center
- is the observed range wide enough to support editing
If the chart already tracks the observed baseline closely enough, do not keep editing.
Step 3: Use the top metrics as a quick screen
Before using the lower diagnostics, check the summary metrics at the top.
Use them like this:
- strong score and strong coverage are reasons to reduce editing
- poor alignment means the baseline shape is missing an important part of the observed pattern
- peak disagreement often means the shape is centered wrong or behaving badly near flat ground
When these look good, leave the shape mostly alone.
Step 4: Use the lower diagnostics only after you already have a hypothesis
The lower diagnostics help you localize the mismatch.
Use them after you already see a problem in the main chart.
Use them to answer:
- is this a repeated shape problem or noise
- is the model systematically high or low in certain grade bands
- is the problem broad or limited to one region
These diagnostics should confirm the chart reading, not replace it.
Step 5: Make only small, targeted adjustments
Before changing anything:
- make sure you can name the mismatch
- make sure the mismatch is broad enough to affect route planning
- ignore small local noise
Good reasons to adjust:
- the curve is clearly shifted
- the uphill side is consistently wrong
- the downhill side is consistently wrong
Bad reasons to adjust:
- one noisy patch
- a good fit that is not perfect
- curiosity about what every control does
Step 6: Treat optional refinements as optional
Some controls are later-stage refinement tools, not first-pass fixes.
Use them only when:
- the main shape is already acceptable
- the remaining problem is local and specific
- you can state which region the refinement improves
If the main curve is still broadly wrong, do not spend time on refinement controls yet.
Step 7: Recheck after every small change
Do not stack several edits before re-reading the chart.
Use this rhythm:
- identify the mismatch
- make one small change
- recheck the main chart
- recheck the diagnostics
- stop when the named mismatch is no longer the main issue
If one change helps one region but harms another, back it out and reassess.
When not to keep tuning
Stop adjusting if:
- the chart already tracks the observed baseline closely enough
- the score and coverage are already strong
- you are solving cosmetic differences instead of route-planning differences
- every change improves one region by worsening another
This tab is for correcting a specific speed-shape problem, not for forcing a perfect overlay.
Recommended order
Use this sequence:
- Read the main chart.
- Check the summary metrics.
- Use the lower diagnostics to localize the mismatch.
- Make one small targeted adjustment if the mismatch is clear.
- Recheck after every change.
- Stop once the specific mismatch is no longer the main issue.
What to do next
After reviewing TRIPSpeed Shape, continue with: