ORIENTEERING

By: Joliza and Elvira

ORIENTEERING
• Is an outdoor activity where participant’s goal is finding the various
checkpoints (with specific sequence) in a pre set course using a especially
created detailed map and the compass to navigate in an unfamiliar terrain.
• Can be done as a fun recreational activity or a very competitive sport requiring
navigational skills, techniques, and decision making skills to bring a person
from one pace to another at the least time possible.
Why do we need to learn Orienteering?

• It is fun and challenges you more to be physically and mentally

fit especially at competitive levels.
• In terms of survival this skill would be helpful.
 HISTORY
• 1886 – in Scandinavia the term orienteering was a military word that meant “crossing
unknown grounds.
• 1897 – the world’s first orienteering match was held in Norway.
• 1919 – Major Ernst Killander of Sweden, the “Father of Orienteering” designed a
cross country competition where participants had to decide their own routes with the
use of map and compass.
• 1941 – 1943 – A Finnish army officer, Piltti Heiskanen, set up orienteering activities in
Darthmouth College.
• 1961 – The IOF or the International Orienteering Federation was formed
• 1967 – Orienteering activities became part of the U.S. Marine Corps Physical Fitness
Academy at Quantico, Virginia, under assistant director Jim “Yoggi” Hardin.
• Oct. 1970 – The first U.S. Orienteering Championships was held at Southern Illinois
University.
• 1971 –The birth of U.S. Orienteering Federation in Virginia.
• 1988 – Orienteering was accepted as a U.S. Olympic Committee Class C sport or an
affiliated sport.
EQUIPMENT
• The two basic things that are used in orienteering are the MAP and COMPASS. However, during
the event, participants also bring with them the following:
1. Whistle that is used when a participant needs to call someone for help
2. Map bag or any clear plastic bag that comes in handy in protecting the map in case it rains.
3. Red pen in case the participant needs to mark the map for his/her own purpose although maps
given prior to the event are already pre-marked with the course
Parts of the Orienteering Map
A. MAP
• A map is two-dimension representation of a three dimension surface.
• It is a graphic representation of the ground and the terrain.
Types of Map:
• Locator Map – will show where the various places are situated.
• Highway Map – will identify roads
• Topographic Map – will show the different terrains.
• Orienteering Map – is a specially prepared map designed for the activity or
competition.
Magnetic North Lines – lines representing the magnetic north.
Three types:
1. True North is the direction of the North Pole, directly under the North Star.
2. Grid North is what is used on maps
3. Magnetic North is where the compass normally points and is used in orienteering.
B. COMPASS
an instrument containing a magnetized pointer which shows the direction of magnetic
north and bearings from it.

How to Use a Orienteering Compass:

1. Hold the compass level in the palm of your hand in front of your stomach.
2. Position the compass so that the direction of travel arrow (DTA) is pointing straight
out in front of you.
3. Suppose you want to go southwest, with the compass just resting on your palm, turn
the Bezel so that northwest aligns with the DTA.
4. Still holding the compass flat in your hand and DTA pointing straight out, turn
yourself and/or your hand until the magnetic needle (red needle) points or is aligned
with the North magnetic orienting arrow or with the lines inside the compass housing.
5. Then check where the DTA is pointing now, that is, the direction you will be going, in
this case southwest.
6. Go to where the DTA is pointing, keep the red needle aligned with the north magnetic
orienting arrow and for our example you are now moving southwest.
 How is Orienteering Played?
The objective is finding all the control points indicated on a map given to the participants.
1. In the sample map, the circled location are the control points and the indicated number
specifies where to go first. The triangle indicates the starting point and the double circle
as the finish line.
2. The 2 popular forms of orienteering are the Score 0 and the point to point.
In Score 0, a fixed time limit is given for the participants to visit as many control
points a possible and the one with the highest points wins.
In Point to Point the participants must visit all the control points in the
sequence indicated on the map in the fastest time possible. Whoever finishes
first wins

Each participant is assigned a start time; this is to prevent participants from trying to
follow others
What is pace and pace factor in navigation?

• A pace is equivalent to two steps.

• Pace factor is a way of computing or determining how many paces you need to travel between two points.
Example:
Determine how many paces it will take for one to travel 100 meters or 300 feet?

Trial Pace
1st 100

2nd 110

3rd 105

A = 100+110+105/3 =105

Pf = 105/100 = 1.05

1.05 * 100 = 105 paces

Navigation Skills in Orienteering:
1. Estimating Distance to Travel using the Map
- Distance Estimation is an essential skill in orienteering because to measure the
distance on a map and converting it to actual distance is important in reaching the
destination.
2. Precision and Rough Map Reading
- As a navigator your task is to know how to use the features on the map as your guide
in correctly establishing your orientation and location.
- Recognizing all the features on the map and knowing where you are exactly along
this location involve precision map reading. The essence of map reading is first
understanding where you are in the map and your relation to the specific features. This is
what you call rough and precision map reading skill.
3. Precision and Rough Compass Reading
- Precision Compass Reading uses the DTA on the compass to travel precisely in a
straight line
- In Rough Compass Reading one does not precisely line up with the line of travel,
instead he/she moves toward the general direction of travel arrow is pointing.
What to do if you are lost along the course?
• Knowing what to do when one gets lost is another skill and it is called
relocating skill or reorienting yourself.
1. It is best NOT TO PANIC but instead to stop and take a break.
2. Look at the surroundings and check the map for more recognizable features
such as a river, clearing, roads, buildings, etc.
3. Check Compass and map for direction of travel.
4. If not go to the nearest safety azimuth or prominent feature (usually advised
by the organizers) and reorient self using the map and compass.
5. In case one still could not get back on track and wanted to seek help, then
use a whistle.
What are the Health – Related benefits of
Orienteering?
• Orienteering is a very intensive activity. It will require participants to
walk, jog, hike and run. All these activities increase aerobic-capacity
and cardiovascular strength.
• Most orienteering terrain includes hilly and rugged terrain. It is a
perfect environment for athletes and non-athletes to develop strong
heart, lungs and legs.
• Orienteering involves not only physical demands but also fast decision
making skills. It provides balance of mental and physical exertion.
Reminders:
• Whistle is used as communication in case of emergency such as when there is
significant injury or a participant is completely lost. Three short blasts mean “I
need help, please come to me”, Two short blasts mean “I hear you, I am coming
to you”
• Leave wildlife alone as responsible visitors of wildlife habitats
• Safety azimuth – every event director advises the participants of safety azimuth.
These are directions on the compass, which will take you easily to a
recognizable linear feature such as road or paved grounds or something you
cannot miss, usually done in emergency situations.
• Bring a second compass in case something happens to your compass during the
event.