I volunteered to pick up a few controls after the Python Goat event a few weekend’s ago, and got my assignment for which controls to grab. They happened to be controls on the part of the course I didn’t run, so I took my time in navigating to each one, paying particular attention to the finer details of the map, or micro-orienteering, that I normally would during a race.
A few of us enjoyed this race video from Norway, with lots of exciting features like bog hopping, pond hopping, and straight out swimming. The map release itself is a real spectacle! Especially, watch the first 3:30 and then start watching again at the 36 minute mark. Much fun!
There are lots of great tools for orienteering, and mappers interested in creating their own maps. We have put together a small sample of the tool we use in the club for creating maps, setting up events, and so on. Our favorites are probably OCAD (the industry standard) and Purple Pen (for route setting), and many of the club members track their runs using GPS, and then some sort of analysis tool. Visit our Mapping Resources page for more.
Emelie, 7, describes and demos how she rotates the map as she goes orienteering, always keeping it track of map vs. reality.
Here are five basic skills that you need to practice to help you get better at orienteering. 1. Fold your map – Always make sure that you fold your map so that you can easily see the part of the map where you are. 2. Orient your map – Always make sure that your map is the correct […]
Orienteering is so much more than running – it’s about adventure, engaging your brain, skillful navigation, and constantly making choices to route, terrain, and tactics.
UPPSALA, Sweden — About 100 yards inside one entrance of the Lunsen forest is a rock ledge formed millenniums ago when all of Scandinavia was covered by ice. A thicket of bushes lines the near edge of a gully that drops down 15 feet. On the far edge, a group of trees rises, like fingers splayed wide, providing the false impression that they are not so far away when in fact, a steep fall awaits anyone who steps off the precipice. To the side of the ledge is a medium-size stone. Click here to read more…
Here’s a great video compilation of Thierry Gueorgiou running – both what he sees, as well as GPS / map tracking as he goes a long. A great visual, and some good learning tips from a master of orienteering.