Orienteering at school for ages 6-12, Chapter 15: ORIENTATE THE MAP!

Chapter 15: ORIENTATE THE MAP

THE BASIS of all orienteering is that the map is orientated to reality. The boulder to the right in the terrain should also be to the right on the map. Therefore, the ”red to red” is important to all learning. As soon as you look at the map, orientate the map. ”Red to red” is the easiest way to do this. Even today’s World Cup and World Championship maps have the red north edge marked on the map.

THE MAP BELOW is taken from the first International Sprint Relay ever. The competition was organised by the Turkish Orienteering Federation in the resort of Kemer.

TODAY’S ELITE ORIENTEERS use the same method that beginners do, always red to red when starting a race and every time they read the map, they take a look at the compass, ”Red to Red”.

THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES are basic exercises on learning to orientate the map to the reality or the terrain.

In the appendix you will find all originals to print and to use free of charge.

 Back to CONTENTS