mtbo mapping (the map standard and the event advisor) iof mtb-o event advisor’s clinic may 21,...

IOF MTB-O Event Advisor’s ClinicMay 21, 2004 Sopron, Hungary

MTBO Mapping(the map standard and the event advisor)

MTBO MappingMTBO Mapping

László ZentaiIOF Map Commission

http://lazarus.elte.hu/http://lazarus.elte.hu/[email protected]@elte.hu

(the map standard and the event advisor)

(the map standard and the event advisor)



The Event Advisor is necessarily not an experienced MTBO-mapper, but he/she must be capable to judge the map quality.

The advisor must be able to make the mapping rules strictly kept to guarantee the fair competition for each runner.Think globally, not locally.



How MTBO maps are made? (1)Mostly based on existing foot-o mapsMostly based on existing foot-o maps.. IIt is t is

importantimportant

• to delete unnecessary symbols;to delete unnecessary symbols;• to re-classify the pathto re-classify the path/track/track network; network;• to remove unnecessary features (invisible to remove unnecessary features (invisible

from the roads);from the roads);• to carefully check the path junctions and to carefully check the path junctions and

crossings;crossings;• to add special MTBO features (barriers).to add special MTBO features (barriers).The geographic accuracy is based on the The geographic accuracy is based on the original foot-o map.original foot-o map.



How MTBO maps are made? (2)If the maps are made especially for the MTBO event If the maps are made especially for the MTBO event

(no previous foot-o maps (no previous foot-o maps were madwere made), thee), theyy are are probably based on the local topographic maps probably based on the local topographic maps (photogrammetric plot, air photo etc.).(photogrammetric plot, air photo etc.).

A random check of accuracy is advisable, but you A random check of accuracy is advisable, but you don’t have to be a cartographer to be able to find don’t have to be a cartographer to be able to find potential errors: just walk/run around the terrain potential errors: just walk/run around the terrain with a map and use it as a normal orienteering with a map and use it as a normal orienteering map.map.



ISOM2000 – the mapping rule

• Nearly perfect standard for Nearly perfect standard for Foot-O (but mostly under Foot-O (but mostly under continuous improvement for continuous improvement for other disciplines).other disciplines).

• A reliable basis for a fair A reliable basis for a fair competition.competition.

• A clear message to organizers A clear message to organizers on the expected standard.on the expected standard.

• A clear message to athletes on A clear message to athletes on what to expect in order to what to expect in order to prepare for competition.prepare for competition.

• A rule with wide agreement A rule with wide agreement among competitors and IOF among competitors and IOF member federations.member federations.

• In most countries these rules In most countries these rules are strictly kept.are strictly kept.

What is ISOM today?What is ISOM today?



ISOM2000 – general requirementsIn the ideal case no competitor should gain an In the ideal case no competitor should gain an

advantage or suffer a disadvantage because of advantage or suffer a disadvantage because of faults faults iin the map.n the map.

For the mapmaker, the task is knowing which features For the mapmaker, the task is knowing which features to map and how to represent them.to map and how to represent them.

A continuing involvement in the sport is important for a A continuing involvement in the sport is important for a basic understanding of the requirements for the MTBO basic understanding of the requirements for the MTBO map: its content, the need for accuracy, the level of map: its content, the need for accuracy, the level of detail and above all the need for legibility.detail and above all the need for legibility.

MTBO maps MTBO maps are are generally based on previous foot-o generally based on previous foot-o maps. This background and the smaller scale maps. This background and the smaller scale normallynormally guarantee the suitable geometric accuracy. guarantee the suitable geometric accuracy.



Scale of the MTBO maps 1The scale for MTBO maps The scale for MTBO maps wawas not clearly s not clearly defined.defined.ISOM2000:ISOM2000:The scale for MTBO maps range from 1:10 000 to 1:30 000. Maps at 1:10 The scale for MTBO maps range from 1:10 000 to 1:30 000. Maps at 1:10 000 may be produced for the shorter distances while 1:30 000 is suitable 000 may be produced for the shorter distances while 1:30 000 is suitable for the long distances. The size of the map sheet must not exceed 300 for the long distances. The size of the map sheet must not exceed 300 mm by 300 mm.mm by 300 mm.Independent of scale, maps should be drawn with lines, line screens and Independent of scale, maps should be drawn with lines, line screens and symbol sizes as specified for the 1:15 000 maps. This is especially symbol sizes as specified for the 1:15 000 maps. This is especially important since the line widths for tracks and paths present information important since the line widths for tracks and paths present information about the classification.about the classification.

MTBO Rules 2001:MTBO Rules 2001:15.1 Maps, course markings and additional overprinting shall be drawn 15.1 Maps, course markings and additional overprinting shall be drawn and printed according to the IOF International Specification for and printed according to the IOF International Specification for Orienteering Maps. Deviations need approval by the IOF Council.Orienteering Maps. Deviations need approval by the IOF Council.15.2 Organisers are encouraged to use maps drawn specifically for MTB-O 15.2 Organisers are encouraged to use maps drawn specifically for MTB-O at a scale of 1:20.000.at a scale of 1:20.000.



Scale of the MTBO maps 2The scale for MTBO maps The scale for MTBO maps wawas not clearly s not clearly defined.defined.WOC 2004 – Advisor’s Report WOC 2004 – Advisor’s Report (Tibor Erdélyi):(Tibor Erdélyi):Similar to the orienteering competitions should be allowed to adjust to the Similar to the orienteering competitions should be allowed to adjust to the event. That means using a larger scale than 1:20 000 in a short and the event. That means using a larger scale than 1:20 000 in a short and the relay race relay race (1:15 000, or 1:10 000) is justified.(1:15 000, or 1:10 000) is justified.

MTBO Rules addition (2004):MTBO Rules addition (2004):The winning times were defined – this indirectly affects the map scale:The winning times were defined – this indirectly affects the map scale:

Man Woman

Long 90-110 70-90

Middle 50-60 40-50

Sprint 20-30 20-30

Relay 50-60 40-50



Scale of the MTBO maps 3

According to the new competition rules According to the new competition rules forforInternational Orienteering FederationInternational Orienteering Federation,, Mountain Bike Orienteering events Mountain Bike Orienteering events (2004):(2004):15.215.2 Organisers are encouraged to use maps Organisers are encouraged to use maps drawn specifically for MTB-O at an appropriate drawn specifically for MTB-O at an appropriate scale which will normally be 1:10scale which will normally be 1:10 000, 1:15000, 1:15 000 000 or 1:20or 1:20 000.000.



Scale issue - statisticsEvent Scale

2004: Sopron WRE (HUN) Middle: 1:15 000 - Long: 1:20 000

2003: World Cup (1-2, ITA)

Normal: 1:15 000 - Long: 1:15 000

World Cup (3, POL) Relay: 1:15 000 - Long: 1:15 000

World Cup (4-6, CZE) Long: 1:15 000 - Short: 1:15 000(1:20 000 for order)

World Cup (7, ITA) Relay: 1:15 000 - Classic: 1:15 000

2002: WOC (FRA) Prologue, Long, Sprint: 1:20 000 – Relay: 1:15 000

2001: World Cup (1-2, FIN)

Middle: 1:10 000 - Short: 1:10 000

World Cup (3-5, AUT) Short, Classic, Relay: 1:20 000

World Cup (6-8, HUN) Classic: 1:20 000 – Relay, Score: 1:15 000

World Cup (9-11, FRA) Long: 1:15 000 - Short: 1:10 000



Scale issue – my advice

Scale

Long 1:15 000 – 1:25 000

Middle 1:15 000 – 1:20 000

Sprint 1:10 000 – 1:20 000

Relay 1:15 000 – 1:25 000

The „best” scales are: 1:15The „best” scales are: 1:15 000 and000 and1:201:20 000.000.The dimension of the symbols are the same in The dimension of the symbols are the same in every scale.every scale.



Scale issue – the danger of too large scale 1Route choice problemRoute choice problem::

Remote alternative routes are not recognised with a long Remote alternative routes are not recognised with a long leg between two controlsleg between two controls..

Long leg overview problemLong leg overview problem::For long legs over 2 km it is hardly possible to keep an For long legs over 2 km it is hardly possible to keep an overview of more than 25 cm overview of more than 25 cm iin the map while running.n the map while running.

Map size problemMap size problem::Elite routes up to 2Elite routes up to 255 km long require very large map km long require very large map formats, which can hardly be handled in the competition.formats, which can hardly be handled in the competition.



Scale issue – the danger of too large scale 2

Number of controls problem:Number of controls problem:The general experience is that a course The general experience is that a course iin a larger scale map n a larger scale map has significantly more controls than a course of the same has significantly more controls than a course of the same length length iin the same map at smaller scale. The course is thus n the same map at smaller scale. The course is thus more a long "Sprint distance" event and route choice as an more a long "Sprint distance" event and route choice as an orienteering technique is often neglected.orienteering technique is often neglected.

Wildlife protection problem:Wildlife protection problem:With a reasonable map size of up to AWith a reasonable map size of up to A44 it is only possible to it is only possible to represent a relatively small area. Such an area is generally too represent a relatively small area. Such an area is generally too small to permitsmall to permit the the designation of adequate wildlife protection designation of adequate wildlife protection areas.areas.



Contour interval

5 m is perfect 5 m is perfect atat every scale. every scale.

On flat On flat terrains the terrains the use of use of smaller smaller contour contour intervals intervals may be may be considered: considered: e.g. 2 m.e.g. 2 m.



Printing techniques 1Colour copiers, printers and other digital printing Colour copiers, printers and other digital printing equipment are not yet suitable for printing equipment are not yet suitable for printing orienteering maps orienteering maps for high level competitions for high level competitions in foot-in foot-o. It is very difficult to achieve the line quality, o. It is very difficult to achieve the line quality, legibility and colour appearance of traditional spot legibility and colour appearance of traditional spot colour printed maps using this kind of equipment.colour printed maps using this kind of equipment.

It is expected that the continuing development of It is expected that the continuing development of computer technology will lead to the possibility of computer technology will lead to the possibility of using alternative printing methods with quality using alternative printing methods with quality suitable for large competitions.suitable for large competitions.Most printing devices use a 4-colour technique Most printing devices use a 4-colour technique (CMYK). For such devices the same colour settings as (CMYK). For such devices the same colour settings as recommended for 4-colour offset printing may be recommended for 4-colour offset printing may be suitable, but the colour appearance will vary slightly suitable, but the colour appearance will vary slightly from one device to another and from one paper quality from one device to another and from one paper quality to another.to another.



Printing techniques 2Colour printers:

•Inkjet printers (dominant on the home market: colour printing, photo quality printing).

•Colour laser printers (very fast, but still expensive).

•Special colour printers (thermotransfer, wax, dye sublimation): very expensive, but attractive output.



Printing techniques 3In non-foot-o disciplines the number of participants is much lower than in foot-o.

To use of offset printing for producing the maps for these disciplines would be very expensive and uneconomic.

The less details of these maps, the thicker line symbols, the smaller number of point symbols give chance for alternative printing techniques.

To achieve the suitable printing quality requires good computer knowledge and thorough test of all elements of the reproduction process (paper, software, printer driver, printer, cartridges etc).



Minor changes in MTBO-map specification (after ISOM2000)

Minor changes accepted in August 2003 and in January 2004Water and Marsh symbolsBlack bank lines from symbols 301 Lake, 304 Uncrossable river and 309 Uncrossable marsh were deleted.

Water and Marsh symbolsFor large lakes and wide rivers (301 Lake and 304 Uncrossable river), using 50% blue fill, a 100% blue bank line (0.25 mm) may be used in place of the black bank line.



Minor changes in MTBO-map specification (after ISOM2000)Minor changes accepted in August 2003 and in January 2004Man-made FeaturesFoot-O symbols 510 Visible path junction, 511 Indistinct junction, 513 Crossing point with bridge, 514 Crossing point without bridge were added.

Overprinting – Symbol714 Dangerous objects across tracks or paths. This symbol should be purple, as other overprint symbols on foot-o maps.These must be highly visible on the map and should be overprinted inpurple. Crossable barrier as a short dash. Uncrossable barrier or out ofbounds a cross or series of crosses. It was agreed that green symbols, asthe Australians proposed, would be less visible to riders and could result incollisions.



Minor changes in MTBO-map specification (after ISOM2000)Minor changes accepted in August 2003 and in January 2004Man-made FeaturesDefinitions for 813 Track: slow riding to delete the words "infrequently used"; and for 815 Track: difficult to ride to delete the words "rarely used ".

813 Track: slow ridingA track at least 1.5 m wide, with ruts, grassy, wet, muddy or sandy. Possibility of rocky surfaces. Pedalling is more difficult, riding is slowed.

815 Track: difficult to rideTrack at least 1.5 m wide, with obstacles such as roots or rocky steps. Many obstacles, stones, rocks, erosion, mud, land slides or sand. Very slow or impossible riding. Could necessitate to carry bike.



The mapping process and the role of the IOF Event Advisor

In the ideal case the Advisor can influence In the ideal case the Advisor can influence some processes:some processes:

In connection with the mapping process:In connection with the mapping process:• choosing fair terrain (no advantage for choosing fair terrain (no advantage for local competitors);local competitors);• instruct the mappers to keep the instruct the mappers to keep the mapping specificationmapping specificationss (international (international view);view);• guarantee the map quality (together with guarantee the map quality (together with the national map controller).the national map controller).



MTBO is developing:•new disciplines were introduced (sprint, middle distance),

•more and more countries are participating,

•yearly WOC is introduced,•more mapping experience,•wider international recognition.

MTBO is developing:•new disciplines were introduced (sprint, middle distance),

•more and more countries are participating,

•yearly WOC is introduced,•more mapping experience,•wider international recognition.

Future trends



The mapping specification may change in the future to improve the legibility:The mapping specification may change in the future to improve the legibility:

Future trends

• Emphasize the path network:• thicker black lines,• change the colour of other black symbols

(grey, purple, other colours).• Change some colours to increase the contrast.• Use less colours and less symbols to

emphasize the most important symbols.

This improvement will be based on the collaboration of the MTBO and Map Commission taking into account the feedback of competitors.

This improvement will be based on the collaboration of the MTBO and Map Commission taking into account the feedback of competitors.



Thank you for your attention

László ZentaiIOF Map Commission

http://lazarus.elte.hu/http://lazarus.elte.hu/[email protected]@elte.hu

mtbo mapping (the map standard and the event advisor) iof mtb-o event advisor’s clinic may 21,...

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