introduction to orienteering introduction to orienteering unit 2 – interpret orienteering maps...

Introduction to Orienteering

Unit 2 – Interpret Orienteering Maps

Introduction:

How to correctly read and interpret the information presented on an orienteering map is an essential skill to help you navigate your way through the terrain.

In this section, we will cover:

• Parts of an orienteering map• Map colours – what do they

mean• Map symbols• The shape of the ground • How to orient your map to

north

Introduction to OrienteeringUnit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps

Mouse over the map to discover the different parts of an orienteering map

Parts of an Orienteering Map

MAP TITLE: The title explains the

area it represents. The title is always oriented

to North. LEGEND:

The legend provides information about the symbols used on the

map.

SCALE: The scale describes the size on the map relative

to the actual world. In this case:

1 cm on map = 7500 cm or 75 meters in real life

SCALE BAR:The scale bar provides a

quick visual ruler by which to judge distance

by. It is normally divided by 50 and 100

meter segments.

CONTROL DESCRIPTION:

This is added to the map and provides clues on

where to find the control flags.

MAP DETAIL: The main part of the

map showing the area covered and the

orienteering course.

Introduction to OrienteeringUnit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Map Colours

What do the map colours represent?

Let’s take a close look at a section of an orienteering map to examine the different colours and what they mean.

Select a colour to view a description.


Forest – Easy Running: The trees are placed well apart and there is little to no ground cover. It is easy to run through this forest.

Forest - Easy Running

Click here to select another colour.

Map Colours

Try it Out: Can you spot the areas described as Forest- Easy Running?


Forest – Slow Running: The trees are little closer together. There may be some ground obstacles to jump over, but you can still run slowly through this forest.

Forest - Slow Running


Map Colours

Try it Out: Can you spot the areas described as Forest- Slow Running?


Forest-Walk: The trees are closer together, and there is ground cover or deadfall that needs to be scrambled over. Progress is slow but not impossible.

Forest - Walk


Map Colours

Try it Out: Can you spot the areas described as Forest- Walk?


Forest - Fight: There are lots of branches, thick growth and/or difficult ground cover that make progress very difficult. These areas are best avoided.

Forest - Fight


Map Colours

Try it Out: Do you see an area of Forest-Fight on this map?

Check Answer

Answer: Here


Cultivated Gardens

Try it Out: Where are the out-of-bounds areas on this map?

Map Colours


Garden: This area contains flower beds is well maintained. Unless there are distinct paths indicated on the map, this area is FORBIDDEN TO CROSS.


Water features

Try it Out: Are the ponds crossable on this map?

Check Answer

Answer: No, they have a black border.

Map Colours

Water: Ponds, lakes, rivers, swamps, creeks etc are all shown by the colour blue. If they have a a black border, that means they are UNCROSSABLE.


Open Ground: This usually looks like an open and smooth grass field such as one would find in designated parks.

Open Ground

Try it Out: Can you find the areas described as Open Ground?

Map Colours


Rough Open Ground: This usually a rough open field, devoid of trees although there may be occasional low ground cover.

Rough Open Ground

Try it Out: Can you find the areas described as Rough Open Ground?

Map Colours

Answer: A parking lot


Paved Areas: This colour is used to denote paved roadways as well as stone or paved walkways such as those found on university campuses.

Paved Areas

Try it Out: What do you think is the large area in the centre of the map?

Check Answer

Map Colours


Man-Made or Rock: Black is used to designate man-made objects such as paths, signs and buildings, but is also used to identify prominent rock features, such as boulders and cliffs.

Man-Made Objects & Rock Features

Try it Out: Where are the buildings on this map?

Map Colours


Bare Rock: Prominent stretches of bare rock are identified in grey. They are obvious to see in the terrain and devoid of vegetation.

Bare Rock

Try it Out: Can you spot the area of bare rock on this map?

Check Answer

Answer: Here

Map Colours


Landforms: Brown contour lines help outline shapes and provide an indication of height. This topic will be expanded on in a later section.

Landforms

Try it Out: Can you spot the brown contour lines on this map?

Map Colours

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