What is MIDE?
The MIDE or Method for Excursion Reporting is a tool capable of showing the degree of difficulty of any natural hiking route.
The range of sites that this method is capable of describing is both extensive and varied, encompassing from short walks of short lengths to long distances. requiring the use of specialised tools and equipment.
The definitive appearance of this ingenious information platform dates back to 2002, in the hands of Alberto Paris Roche, during the launching of the Safe Mountain campaign. The initiative was a project that involved the Government of Aragon and the Aragonese Federation of Mountaineering.
The data provided by MIDE are organised into 3 sections:
- the information from reference
- the information from valuation
- indications techniques of the route
The MIDE and Baseline Information: Key Data for an Effective Understanding of the Field
Timetable
The first type of data that the MIDE provides is the general timetable, estimated in hours and minutesThe total amount of time, which will be necessary to complete the route. This estimate does not take into account factors such as stops, the physical condition of the hikers or any possible setbacks that may occur.
Climbing gradient and descending gradient
In addition to this timetable estimate, the MIDE provides figures for the cumulative ascent and descent. These figures take into account the total length of the journey, from the starting point to the arrival point.
Horizontal distance
This data indicates the distance from the starting point to the finishing point. This parameter does not take into account slopes, only the distance between the start and the end of the route.
Type of itinerary
The information that occupies the fourth parameter of the aforementioned scale shows the appreciations referring to the type of route that the site has been granted. This classification is presented in three totally differentiated modalities:
Itinerary, cruising style
This type of route penetrates the terrain randomly, so that the start and finish points are two completely different locations.
Round trip itinerary
This is a route in which the starting and finishing points are exactly the same. The excursion reaches the point of arrival and returns to the starting point following the same route but in the opposite direction.
Circular route
In the circular route, the starting and finishing points are exactly the same, but each place is stopped only once along the way.
What is Valuation Information?
The assessment information describes the parameters studied in a quantitative way, using a scale from one to five. This scale measures the complexity of the itinerary on a scale of 1 to 5equivalent to the degree of complexity to be communicated.
The parameters that are studied are identified by the acronym MIDE where
- Mediumis the environment to be studied,
- Itinerarythe type of trajectory to be followed,
- Displacementwhich actually warns of the degree of difficulty inherent in the crossing itself,
- EffortThe "physical effort" is an approximate measure of the physical effort required for the route indicated.
Severity of the natural environment
The severity of the natural environment is the first parameter that will be measured by counting its appreciation between grade one, which indicates that the environment is free of risk, and grade five, which indicates that the environment presents many risk factors.
Orientation on the itinerary
This parameter measures whether the paths to be followed are well signposted and whether it is possible to follow the trails without detours. One indicates that the paths are well defined and five indicates that navigation is interrupted by obstacles that have to be negotiated.
Difficulty of movement
This parameter indicates the difficulty of moving along the route. One indicates that it is possible to move on smooth and firm surfaces, such as a transit track, and five indicates that climbing is required to move forward.
Amount of effort required
This parameter indicates a time measure to describe a period of walking required to cover the route. One indicates that the route can be completed in one hour of walking, while five indicates that the route requires 10 hours or more of actual walking. This implies that the route requires a high level of physical fitness to complete.
Technical notes on the route: Final tips for a fully efficient excursion.
In this last section, and given the type of occasion to be encountered, each MIDE table will provide information on the type of tools needed to overcome the obstacles that the terrain may present.
There are mainly three parameters that this section identifies, among which the data concerning the climbing pitches, the snow slopes to be traversed and the need to practise the different abseiling techniques.. The prevalence of such conditions on the ground is the factor that will in itself determine the presence of such data in the MIDE tables.
To make any excursion totally safe and effective, it is necessary for the hiking team to look for extra information on the route. through sources such as books, illustrated guides as well as various internet portals. This will lead to more effective decision-making on how the group should develop.
It is also necessary to consult the weather conditions that will be presented on the day of the excursion and prepare in advance the equipment that will need to be used on such a journey.
It is always necessary to insist on this point: when going on an excursion, always try to go in company; NEVER go out alone. Always make sure that a friend or family member who is not accompanying you knows about your excursion and when you will return in case of emergency.
With the implementation of each and every one of these tips, total, absolute and safe enjoyment of the natural environment will be completely guaranteed.
