What is it?

• Orienteering is the sport of navigation, using an extremely comprehensive map and a compass.
• The map and compass are used to find control points.
• Individuals circumnavigate from one control point to another point.
• A topographical map is specifically prepared and given to the athletes. Topography is the study of the land’s surface, its shape and features.
• The sport is a scheduled/timed event.
• A map must be prepared for the locality of the event.
• The age and fitness level of participants must be considered for the courses they are going to undertake.

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Preparation

• Regular exercise is important to keep physically fit.
• Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after the event.
• It is important to warm up thoroughly before and cool down after the orienteering event.
• Choose the most appropriate route for your skill and level of fitness, ensure that you study the map carefully.
• Wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for the event.
• The shoes for the event should not be new, it should be “broken in” as new shoes can be uncomfortable.
• To reduce cuts and grazes wear a long-sleeved top and long pants.
• Apply and reapply sunscreen regularly to your skin that is exposed to the sun. A sunscreen of SPF 30+ should be used.
• To keep track of the time wear a watch.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes according to the weather conditions.
• The map should be kept in a waterproof bag.
• It is important to keep aware of the listing in the ‘legend’ on your map.
• These items will afford you important information about the terrain, features and potential hazards on the course.

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things to note

• Orienteering involves running or walking while navigating by compass through challenging environments.
• If you are a beginner, participate in orienteering events held in smaller parks and stick to the ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ courses.
• If lost or injured, stay still and blow your whistle six times at 10 second intervals, repeated every two minutes until help arrives.

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variation of events

Orienteering can be done in various ways and specific maps are created for each event:

• FOOT
• TRAIL
• SKI
• MOUNTAIN BIKE
• RADIO
• CANOE
• HORSE RIDING
• TRIATHLON
• MOBILE
• WHEEL CHAIR

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Orienteering Map

• An orienteering map is a map specially prepared for orienteering competitions.
• It is a topographic map with extra details to help the competitor navigate through the competition area.
• Orienteering maps also show forest density, water features, clearings, trails, roads, earthen banks, rock walls, ditches, wells, pits, fences, power lines, buildings, boulders, and other features of the terrain.

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Color Symbols on Map

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Scale Interpretation

• A map scale denotes to the connection (or fraction) between distance on a map and the equivalent distance on the ground.
• A scale is used to create each map used in orienteering.
• The map scale depends on the purpose of the competition and also the standard used.
• For example, a map used in a foot orienteering long distance event has a scale of 1:15000.
• This represents 1cm to 15000 cm. The 15000 cm will be equal to 150m. Therefore 1 cm represents 150m

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What is a Compass?

• A compass is an instrument containing a magnetized pointer which shows the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it.
• An orienteering compass, sometimes called a base plate compass, has the advantage of being a compass and a protractor combined.
• A compass is a tool for finding direction.
• A simple compass is a magnetic needle mounted on a pivot, or short pin.
• The needle, which can spin freely, always points to the magnetic north.
• To use a compass, a person lines up the needle with the marking for the north.

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Videos

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