what are control points on an orienteering course

A control point (CP, also control and checkpoint) is a marked waypoint used in orienteering and related sports such as rogaining

and adventure racing. It is located in the competition area; marked both on an orienteering map and in the terrain; and described on a control description sheet.

Full Answer

How many control points are used in orienteering?

A control point ( CP, also control and checkpoint) is a marked waypoint used in orienteering and related sports such as rogaining and adventure racing. 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.

What is an orienteering course?

Avoid this kind of control point. f. Use trees in control descriptions only if they are prominent and a totally different species from those surrounding. Never use bushes and fauna as control points. g. Number control points in red on the master map. h. For cross-country events, join all control points by a red line indicating the course's shape.

What is a control card in orienteering?

(2) Line Orienteering. At least five control points are used during this form of orienteering training. The competitor traces on his map a preselected route from a master map. The object is to walk the route shown on the map, circling the control points on the map as they are located on the ground . Figure F-1. Line orienteering. (3) Cross-Country Orienteering. This is the most …

What is a score orienteering map?

Apr 01, 2022 · If you’re new to orienteering, you may wonder how to create a course. Fortunately, there’s nothing to worry about. The basics of orienteering are very simple. You need a compass, topographic maps, and ten or more control points. Once you have the controls set up, you can create the course. This article will help you make a great orienteering course.

What is the control point?

A control point is a point on the ground or any permanent structure whose horizontal and vertical location/position is known. Control points are used as a starting point of the surveyor's CAD.Sep 18, 2020

How do you use a control card in orienteering?

The standard orienteering event is a point-to-point race; controls are numbered on the map and connected in the order the competitor is to visit them. Upon reaching each control, the orienteer punches a pattern in the corresponding numbered box on the control card.

In what type of orienteering event must all competitors visit the same 6 12 control points in the same chronological order with a completed full map to use?

Cross-Country Orienteering(3) Cross-Country Orienteering. This is the most common type of orienteering competitions. It is sometimes called free or point orienteering and is considered to be the most competitive and intriguing of all events (Figure F-2). In this event, all competitors must visit the same controls in the same order.

How do you read orienteering maps?

1:042:34Orienteering - How To Read The Map - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo on the legend it will describe what the feature is termite. Man. And each one is represented by aMoreSo on the legend it will describe what the feature is termite. Man. And each one is represented by a different little symbol on the map.

What is a control description sheet?

Control Descriptions are the black on white pictograms that tell you where in the circle the control is located, and Map Symbols are the 5-color symbols used on orienteering maps. Control Descriptions. Here is a site where you can learn about control descriptions.

What is point to point orienteering?

Undertake point to point (cross country) orienteering – visiting all controls in order, marking a control card or collecting permanent information at each control (e.g. how many steps are there at the door?).

How does orienteering improve mental alertness?

5 Balance between the physical and the mind: The ultimate quest for the orienteer is to find that balance between mental and physical exertion, to know how fast they can go and still be able to interpret the terrain around them and execute their route choice successfully. Did You Know?Sep 26, 2017

What are the risks of orienteering?

running injuries – such as shin splints, strains, sprains and blisters. overuse injuries – although orienteers run on soil rather than concrete or bitumen, they may still be vulnerable to overuse injuries. impact injuries – from falling on steep, rocky, slippery or loose terrain.

What is the most common type of orienteering?

Originally a training exercise in land navigation for military officers, orienteering has developed many variations. Among these, the oldest and the most popular is foot orienteering.

What are the basic orienteering skills?

Basic Orienteering SkillsFolding the map.Thumbing the map.Orientating the map to north (with ground or compass)Reading features on the map.Taking a compass bearing.Following a compass bearing.Pacing.Judging Distance.Oct 30, 2007

How does an orienteering course work?

Orienteering (“O” for short) is a timed event across a mostly natural landscape, where participants navigate through a series of checkpoints along the way. The route from one checkpoint to the next isn't marked: Each participant decides the best route on the run (or walk).

What is described by brown areas on an orienteering map?

Orienteering map symbols: Brown symbols are used for landforms such as contour lines, small knolls, ditches, earthbanks. Blue is used for water features: lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, marshes. Yellow is to show vegetation - specifically for open or unforested land.

What is the challenge of course setting?

The challenge for the course setter is to keep the course interesting, but never beyond the individual's or group's ability. General guidance is to select locations that are easily identifiable on the map and terrain, and accessible from several routes.

Is time a factor in a master map?

When they finish, the maps are analyzed and compared. During training, time is not a factor. Another variation is when a course is laid out on the ground with markers for the competitor to follow. There is no master map, as the course is traced for the competitor by flags or markers.

What is an orienteering course?

Course (orienteering) An orienteering course is compose d of a start point, a series of control points, and a finish point. Controls are marked with a white and orange flag in the terrain, and corresponding purple symbols on an orienteering map.

How many levels are there in the British Orienteering Federation?

Both the British Orienteering Federation (BOF) and Orienteering USA (OUSA) have formal systems that define levels of technical difficulty. The BOF system has 5 levels whereas the OUSA system has 7. In both systems, novices start on a course with a technical and physical difficulty of 1 and progress according to their age, experience, ...

What courses are available in the JROTC?

There is also a Green course, Brown, Red, and Blue in the U.S. Yellow, Orange and Green are the only ones available to the JROTC branches, and are the usual choices for most civilians.

What is relay course?

In a relay, all teams run the same overall course, with each team member running a part of the overall course. Different teams will run the course in a different order e.g. if the overall course consists of parts A, B, and C, teams may run ABC, BCA, or CAB.

Which course has the least technical challenge?

In both systems, White courses have the least technical challenge, followed by Yellow and Orange. In both systems, all other courses (Red, Blue, Green, Brown, Black) are for advanced competitors and vary only in their degree and kind of physical challenge.

Is there overlap between yellow and orange controls?

There is generally almost no overlap between white, yellow and orange controls. The requirements of each are fundamentally different. However, for brown, green, red and blue courses, the control requirements are basically the same. The advanced courses differ in length and degree of strenuousness.

Is a compass necessary for navigation?

Navigation should not be primarily along paths. A compass is necessary. Course choice is actively encouraged. However, every control should be within 100m of an attack point, or obvious feature, and beyond the control should be a linear catch feature, so that the runner knows when s/he has gone too far.

What is orienteering course?

Orienteering is an activity where participants use a map and compass to locate control points or markers on an orienteering course. Orienteering courses can be in urban and natural settings, but more often in parks and forests. Courses can be temporary and used for just a day or weekend competitive event. Courses can be permanent, like the Rockwood ...

What are the maps used for orienteering?

The maps used for orienteering courses are topographic maps which show elevation. They contain a scale (such as 1:5,000), magnetic north lines, and legend which visually explains the symbols on the map. They also contain red circles with numbers that show the location of the control points.

How many control points are there in Robious Landing?

The beginner orienteering course at Robious Landing Park contains 10 control points and is situated along the floodplain with very little elevation change. The course is mostly in the forest and includes steams and extensive trail system. Start the course at the playground which is denoted on the map by S/F (for start and finish). Parking is available by the playground and nearby parking lots. The course can be completed any time the park is open. To try it, print the orienteering map and cue sheet.

Where is the beginner orienteering course at Rockwood Park?

The course includes rolling terrain, streams, and an extensive trail system. Start the course in front of the Rockwood Nature Center which is denoted on the map by S/F (for start and finish).

Is Robious Landing a permanent course?

Courses can be permanent, like the Rockwood and Robious Landing courses, and used year-round. For more information about orienteering, visit the Orienteering USA website.

Can you find control points in any order?

You can locate the control points in any order. The course can be completed any time the park is open. To try it, print the orienteering map and cue sheet. A compass, while useful for navigation, is not needed for this beginner course.

What scale is orienteering?

Orienteering maps are drawn to a large scale when compared to most topographic maps. Most commonly they are 1:15000 (1cm=150m) or 1:10000 (1cm=100m) but for orienteering in parks you use a map drawn in a scale of 1:5000. All maps use an internationally agreed set of symbols and these are logical and easy to learn. You should absorb much of the information simply by attending your first few events. Most orienteering maps will also provide a detailed legend to help you understand the map.

How many colors are there on an orienteering map?

Orienteering maps are drawn using magnetic north rather than ‘grid’ or ‘true’ north, and are printed in up to five standard colors. The colors are an integral part of the map symbols:

What is the sport of navigation?

Orienteering is the sport of navigation, using a highly detailed map. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, competitive runner, or just a family or group out for an activity in a park, this sport helps you improve your navigation each time. Orienteering can gradually build your map-reading skills from exploring a local city park full ...

What is sprint course?

Sprint. Sprint courses are courses that often take place in urban environments (parks and college campuses) using a large scale (1:4000) map. They emphasize fast running and decision making. Expected winning time of 12–18 minutes.

What is control description?

Control descriptions provide the number of the control marker and describe its exact location. If you have found a control that isn’t the correct number indicated on your description sheet, it isn’t your control! Descriptions will be provided either as symbols or, for beginners, in written words.

Why are there orange and white flags in the terrain?

Numbered orange and white flags are placed in the terrain to show you that you have reached the correct location. At each checkpoint you will punch registering that you found the correct location. You may use any route you want between checkpoints. For all participants, the structure of an event is a safety function.

Is orienteering timed?

Orienteering events are timed. If you’re a runner, running against the clock is a familiar experience, but orienteering provides added challenges of a staggered start and deciding where your own course goes as you are running.

BartHumphries

So I've been working on putting together a compass course. I'm looking at two different "100 foot rope laid out along East-West axis, starting at the center origin pointing to the East with sections marked off in 5 foot increments" courses. I wanted an "easy" way to figure out how correct they were, so I put together the following Excel sheet.

BDPT00

I'd suggest changing the wording. None of what you're doing has anything at all to do with "orienteering."

kenk

I wonder how many troops are providing lists of bearings & distances and have the Scouts just walk the course? The requirement calls for use of a map & compass. How does a map come in to play using a list of bearings & distances?

Stosh

BSA used to have this compass game as part of it's literature. You can still pick up the cards and scorepads on E-Bay.

BartHumphries

If folks googled "orienteering" they'd find out that it is a popular sport that involves handing the participant a map on which a series of "control points" have been marked.

BDPT00

The point was that using a compass on a football field isn't orienteering. Find a different word (try "compass course").

jrdalys

I'm no orienteering expert, but I walked through a 'Scout-O' (a special Scout orienteering event put on by a Portland Oregon area Orienteering club) with some cubs several weeks ago.