Orienteering

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Edu Level: NCSE

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:

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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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