ApexSeat combines geometric analysis, historical race data, and on-ground verification to provide accurate grandstand information. This page explains our methodology so you can understand how our scores and recommendations are calculated.
Visibility Score Calculation
The visibility score (0-100) represents how much of the circuit is visible from a grandstand, weighted by viewing quality.
How It Works
- Geometric Analysis: We model each grandstand as a polygon and calculate sightlines to the track centerline.
- Visibility Segments: The track is divided into segments, each marked as excellent, good, partial, or obstructed view.
- Quality Weighting: Each segment is weighted by viewing quality (excellent: 100%, good: 75%, partial: 40%, obstructed: 0%).
- Final Score: The weighted sum of visible segments divided by total track length, expressed as 0-100.
Example: A grandstand with excellent views of 40% of the track and good views of 30% would score: (0.4 × 100) + (0.3 × 75) = 62.5
Track Coverage Percentage
Track coverage shows what percentage of the circuit centerline is visible from a grandstand, regardless of viewing quality.
Calculation
- We use linear referencing along the track centerline (0.0 to 1.0)
- Each visibility segment has a start and end position on the centerline
- Coverage = sum of all visible segment lengths ÷ total track length
- Obstructed views are excluded from coverage percentage
Turns Visible
We count how many turns a grandstand can see, including whether the entry, apex, and exit of each turn are visible.
Turn Coverage
- Each turn is defined by start and end positions on the centerline
- A turn is “visible” if any part of it falls within the grandstand's visibility segments
- Weighted coverage accounts for viewing quality at each part of the turn
- Entry/apex/exit visibility is determined by segment overlap
Overtake Data Analysis
We analyze historical overtake locations to show which grandstands see the most on-track action.
Data Sources
- Historical race footage independently catalogued by community volunteers (2018-present)
- Each overtake is tagged with its position along the track centerline
- Data aggregated across multiple seasons to identify patterns
- DRS zones and natural overtaking spots are highlighted
Overtake Percentage
The “overtakes visible” percentage shows what proportion of historical overtakes at a circuit occurred within a grandstand's visibility segments. A higher percentage means more on-track battles visible.
Grandstand Feature Tags
Feature tags are applied based on official information and on-ground verification.
View-Based Tags
- Pit Lane View: Can see pit entry/exit and pit boxes
- Start/Finish View: Can see the start/finish line
- First Lap Action: Views of Turn 1 for race start drama
- Podium View: Can see the podium ceremony area
- Screen Visible: Big screens are visible from seats
Facility Tags
- Covered Seating: Roof or canopy protection available
- Budget Option: General admission or lower-cost tickets
- Premium Cover: VIP or hospitality with weather protection
Data Quality & Verification
- Circuit Geometry: Verified against official circuit layouts and satellite imagery
- Grandstand Polygons: Mapped from official venue maps and updated seasonally
- Feature Tags: Cross-referenced with official ticket descriptions and user reports
- Overtake Data: Independently catalogued by community volunteers, averaged across seasons
- Updates: Data is reviewed before each race season for accuracy
Limitations
- Visibility scores are based on geometric analysis and may not account for all physical obstructions (fencing, trees, etc.)
- Viewing quality can vary based on your exact seat position within a grandstand
- Overtake patterns can change with regulation changes or track modifications
- Weather conditions and time of day are not factored into visibility calculations
See Our Data in Action
Explore our interactive maps to see visibility analysis for every grandstand
Browse All Circuits