Helpful Tips

Orient Your Map

Before you set out on the course, it is essential that you line up your map so that it reflects the real position of the features on the ground. There are two ways to do this:

• If you are familiar with the area, you can match large features like a river, train tracks, bridges, roads and parking lots on the ground to those on the map.
• Use a compass to ensure North on your map corresponds with North on your compass.

Choosing the Best Route

The detailed map is the best source of information when choosing a route to the next control. There are often several route options between controls, it’s up to you to determine which is the fastest and best suited to your skills. Keep the following points in mind when deciding on a route:

• Know your strengths; are you a better runner or a better map reader?
• Physical obstacles (steep hills, cliffs, wide rivers or lakes, private land, thick bush) should be avoided in favor of roads, paths, and cut lines, which offer the most efficient routes.
• Aim for large, distinguishing features near the control and then head to the control from there.
• Consider the time and energy consumed in climbing a large hill versus going around it. If possible, save your energy by sticking to valleys and lower elevations.

Stay In Contact With Your Map

• Fold your map so that only the part you are using is visible.
• Orient your map after each control.
• Look for features on the map as you move around the course.
• Mentally mark off features on the map as you pass them.

Use your thumb to mark where you are on the map, keep it there at all times

• Look at your map in relation to the terrain every 50m-100m.
• Check your map and control description sheet often to make sure you don’t over shoot the control