Introduction to Orienteering Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 – Interpret Orienteering Maps Introduction: How to correctly read and interpret the information presented on an orienteering map is an essential skill to help you navigate your way through the terrain. In this section, we will cover: Parts of an orienteering map Map colours – what do they mean Map symbols The shape of the ground How to orient your map to north

Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Mouse over the map to discover the different parts of an orienteering map Parts of an Orienteering Map MAP TITLE: The title explains the area it represents. The title is always oriented to North. LEGEND: The legend provides information about the symbols used on the map. SCALE: The scale describes the size on the map relative to the actual world. In this case: 1 cm on map = 7500 cm or 75 meters in real life SCALE BAR: The scale bar provides a quick visual ruler by which to judge distance by. It is normally divided by 50 and 100 meter segments. CONTROL DESCRIPTION: This is added to the map and provides clues on where to find the control flags. MAP DETAIL: The main part of the map showing the area covered and the orienteering course.

Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Map Colours What do the map colours represent? Let’s take a close look at a section of an orienteering map to examine the different colours and what they mean. Select a colour to view a description.

Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Forest – Easy Running: The trees are placed well apart and there is little to no ground cover. It is easy to run through this forest. Forest - Easy Running Click here to select another colour. Map Colours Try it Out: Can you spot the areas described as Forest- Easy Running?

Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Forest – Slow Running: The trees are little closer together. There may be some ground obstacles to jump over, but you can still run slowly through this forest. Forest - Slow Running Click here to select another colour. Map Colours Try it Out: Can you spot the areas described as Forest- Slow Running?

Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Forest-Walk: The trees are closer together, and there is ground cover or deadfall that needs to be scrambled over. Progress is slow but not impossible. Forest - Walk Click here to select another colour. Map Colours Try it Out: Can you spot the areas described as Forest- Walk?

Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Forest - Fight: There are lots of branches, thick growth and/or difficult ground cover that make progress very difficult. These areas are best avoided. Forest - Fight Click here to select another colour. Map Colours Try it Out: Do you see an area of Forest-Fight on this map? Check Answer Answer: Here 

Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Cultivated Gardens Try it Out: Where are the out-of-bounds areas on this map? Map Colours Click here to select another colour. Garden: This area contains flower beds is well maintained. Unless there are distinct paths indicated on the map, this area is FORBIDDEN TO CROSS.

Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Water features Try it Out: Are the ponds crossable on this map? Check Answer Answer: No, they have a black border. Map Colours Water: Ponds, lakes, rivers, swamps, creeks etc are all shown by the colour blue. If they have a a black border, that means they are UNCROSSABLE.

Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Open Ground: This usually looks like an open and smooth grass field such as one would find in designated parks. Open Ground Try it Out: Can you find the areas described as Open Ground? Map Colours

Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Rough Open Ground: This usually a rough open field, devoid of trees although there may be occasional low ground cover. Rough Open Ground Try it Out: Can you find the areas described as Rough Open Ground? Map Colours

Answer: A parking lot Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Paved Areas: This colour is used to denote paved roadways as well as stone or paved walkways such as those found on university campuses. Paved Areas Try it Out: What do you think is the large area in the centre of the map? Check Answer Map Colours

Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Man-Made or Rock: Black is used to designate man-made objects such as paths, signs and buildings, but is also used to identify prominent rock features, such as boulders and cliffs. Man-Made Objects & Rock Features Try it Out: Where are the buildings on this map? Map Colours

Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Bare Rock: Prominent stretches of bare rock are identified in grey. They are obvious to see in the terrain and devoid of vegetation. Bare Rock Try it Out: Can you spot the area of bare rock on this map? Check Answer Answer: Here  Map Colours

Introduction to Orienteering Unit 2 - Interpret Orienteering Maps Landforms: Brown contour lines help outline shapes and provide an indication of height. This topic will be expanded on in a later section. Landforms Try it Out: Can you spot the brown contour lines on this map? Map Colours