FoDR and iCalendar

• What is iCalendar?

iCalendar (sometimes known as iCal) is a standard file format which is intended to allow users to transfer the details of diary entries (appointments etc.) to other Internet users, either via email, or by sharing the data in an iCalendar file (usually with an extension of .ics), which can be published on the internet. Recipients of the iCalendar file (with supporting software, such as a diary or calendar application) use this information to synchronise diaries etc.

• How FoDR uses iCalendar

The FoDR webserver makes a file containing details of our Programme available in iCalendar format available via our website. Any user can download this file using a compatible application to add details of our programme to their electronic diary/calendar. This file is updated every time the programme is updated.

• What you can use it with

The iCalendar facility should work correctly with any application that is compatible with the iCalendar standard. Typical examples are Google Calendar or Yahoo! Calendar on computers/laptops/tablets, Apple Calendar on iPhone

• How to set it up

To add the FoDR Programme to the Calendar application on your device, you will need to “Subscribe” to it, by adding the address of the iCalendar file on the FODR website to the settings of your Calendar application. The exact details on how to subscribe to iCalendar is dependent on the Calendar application in use.

For Android phones Calendars are managed using your “Google” account here. Once logged in and showing your calendar select “+” next to “Other Calendars” on the left hand side, and then “From URL”. Enter the URL below to add the FODR Calendar.

For iPhones go to Settings, then go to Calendar > Accounts > Add Account > Other. Tap Add Subscribed Calendar. Enter the URL of the iCal file below to subscribe to the calendar. You can also subscribe by tapping a link to the iCal file.

The URL of the iCalendar file on the FoDR website is as follows:

http://www.fodramblers.org.uk/fodr.ics

• Limitations

The iCal standard is primarily intended to be used to transfer information on appointments, meetings etc., and is particularly designed to assist with the time-management of teams of individuals. As a consequence, all entries have to specify a start and end time. Our program has start times, but the expected end time is not something that we include in our programme. To get around this, the iCal data generated by the FoDR webserver assumes an average speed of 2mph to determine an end date & time for each entry.