ORIENTEERING

Orienteering is a ‘thinking’ outdoor sport

that combines a participant’s mental
ability with physical ability. In
orienteering, participants navigate routes
between isolated control points using a
compass and a map. The emphasis is on
map-reading and direction finding skills.
It is popular as both a recreational sport
and a competitive sport.
 History of Orienteering
Began in the late 19th century in Sweden.
The actual term "orientering" was first used in 1886 and
meant the crossing of unknown land with the aid of a map
and a compass.
Grew from military training in land navigation into a
competitive sport for military officers, then for civilians.
The first orienteering competition open to the public was
held in Norway in 1897.
Ernst Killander of Sweden, the “father of orienteering”.
 Types of
Orienteering
 Line Orienteering
 Motala
 Night Orienteering
 Relay Orienteering
 Score Orienteering
 String Orienteering
 Trivia Orienteering
 MAP
A detailed topographical map is needed so you know where to go!!
These are provided for you at the events.
 MAP KEY
Blue = water

Yellow = open area

Green = ground vegetation

Black = rock features or man-made

objects

White = forest you can move through

easily

Brown = contour lines, which show the

shape of the land 8
 THE COURSE
The orienteering course is marked
in purple orred on a map.

A triangle is used to indicate the

start and adouble circle
indicatesthe finish.

Circles are used to show the

control points.

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 Compass
A compass is an instrument used for navigation and orientation that shows direction relative
to the geographic cardinal directions (or points).
 CONTROL POINT
It is located in the competition area; marked both on an orienteering map and in the terrain, and described on
a control description sheet. The control point must be identifiable on the map and on the ground. A control
point has three components: a high visibility item, known as a flag or kite; an identifier, known as a control
code; and a recording mechanism for contestants to record proof that they visited the control point.
 E-Punch, Finger Stick & Paper Punch
Every course has a series of controls where you must record your visit. Some meets do that
via a simple paper punch hanging from each control marker. Most meets now use controls
that you “punch” electronically by inserting an “e-punch” timing stick. If you don’t have
your own, you can rent an e-punch at the registration area.
 CONTROL CARD
Each competitor is required to carry a control card, and to present it at the Start
and hand it in at the Finish. The control card is marked by some means at each
control point to show that the competitor has completed the course correctly.
 CONTROL DESCRIPTION SHEET
In orienteering competitions the locations of the control points are described on
a control description sheet (or clue sheet). It is sometimes incorrectly referred to
as a "Course Description Sheet".
WHY ORIENTEER ?
ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
CHALLENGE YOURSELF PHYSICALLY
CHALLENGE YOURSELF MENTALLY
GAIN NAVIGATIONAL SKILLS
SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
AS COMPETITIVE AS YOU WANT
ALONE OR IN GROUP