Orienteering is a sport in which orienteers use an accurate, detailed
map
and a compass
to find points in the landscape. It can be enjoyed as a walk in
the woods or as a competitive sport.
A standard orienteering course
consists of a start, a series of control sites that are marked by
circles, connected by lines and numbered in the order they are to
be visited, and a finish. The control site circles are centered
around the feature that is to be found; this feature is also defined
by control descriptions (sometimes called clues). On the ground,
a control
flag marks the location that the orienteer must visit.
To verify a visit, the orienteer uses a punch
hanging next to the flag to mark his or her control
card. Different punches make different patterns of holes in
the paper.
The route between "controls" (refers to the flag or the
site) is not specified, and is entirely up to the orienteer; this
element of route
choice and the ability to navigate through the forest are the
essence of orienteering.
Most orienteering events use staggered starts to ensure that each
orienteer has a chance to do his or her own navigating, but there
are several other popular formats, including relays and events in
which the orienteer must find as many controls as possible within
a specified time.
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Orienteering
Equipment and Supplies
(Personal Equipment)
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The only piece of equipment you really need to go orienteering
is your brain. However, it is useful to have a good compass (though
you can rent one at most events) and suitable footwear (light hiking
boots or running shoes will do) and clothing (dress as you would
normally for a hike that might take you through some brushy areas).
Some orienteers find that with increasing skill they wish to use
pants and shoes designed specifically for orienteering.
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What
is A Topographic Map?
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A
map is a representation of the Earth, or part of it. Traditionally,
maps have been printed on paper. When a printed map is scanned,
the computer file that is created may be called a digital raster
graphic.
The distinctive characteristic of a topographic map is that the
shape of the Earth's surface is shown by contour
lines. Contours are imaginary lines that join points of equal
elevation on the surface of the land above or below a reference
surface such as mean sea level. Contours make it possible to measure
the height of mountains, depths of the ocean bottom, and steepness
of slopes.
A topographic map shows more than contours. The map includes symbols
that represent such features as streets, buildings, streams, and
woods. These symbols are constantly refined to better relate to
the features they represent, improve the appearance or readability
of the map, or to reduce production cost.
Consequently, within the same series, maps may have slightly different
symbols for the same feature. Examples of symbols that have changed
include built-up areas, roads, intermittent drainage, and some type
styles.
Check
out (click on) the educational links provided below for more information. |
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North
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