More on the Ten Elements of Orienteering - Orientating the Map

Post date: May 24, 2014 11:47:14 PM

We hope last weeks training video helped you interpret the Currabinny map at Tuesday's event. Better understanding of the map may even have improved your course time and elevated you up the results table. So for all those new to the sport this week's Ten elements of orienteering  video focuses on - Orientating the Map.

This is the second in a series of short training videos produced by the Irish Orienteering Association to help you learn the skills needed to orienteer. This video explains how to orientate the map. We hope you enjoy the video and if you have any orienteering questions be sure to seek assistance from any of our experienced club members at our events. You will find them at registration and at the start.

This new skill is something for you to try out at our event in Doneraile Park on Tuesday May 27th.

During your run in Doneraile be sure to:

• • 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.

  • Orientate your map: Always make sure that your map is the correct way round or orientated. This means that the features which are in front of you on the ground are in front of you on the map. You can also orientate your map using a compass by making sure that the north lines on the map point the same way as the north or red end of the compass needle. Each time you change direction you should change your grip on the map so that the map is still orientated to north.

  • Thumb your Map: To help you know where you are on the map it helps if you mark your position on the map with your thumb. As you move along the ground you should move your thumb to your new position on the map. It is usual to move your thumb to the new position at a ‘check point’ such as a path junction or some other obvious feature where you will stop or slow down and check where you are.