2.2 Content
An orienteering map is a detailed topographic map. The map must contain the features which are obvious on the ground to a competitor at speed. It must show every feature which could influence map reading or route choice: land forms, rock features, ground surface, rate of progress through the vegetation (known in foot-o as runnability), main land uses, hydrography, settlements and individual buildings, the path and track network, other lines of communication and features useful from the point of view of navigation.
The shape of the ground is one of the most important aspects of an orienteering map. The correct use of contours to show a three dimensional picture of the groundshape and height differencecannot be overemphasized.
The degree to which a feature is recognizable, the openness of the forest and runnability of the terrain should be taken into consideration at the survey stage.
Boundaries between different types of ground surface provide valuable reference points for the map reader. It is important that the map shows these.
An orienteer´s speed and choice of route through the terrain is affected by many factors. Information on all of these factors must therefore be shown on the map by classifying paths and tracks, by indicating whether marshes, water features, rock faces and vegetation are passable, and by showing the characteristics of the ground surface and the presence of open areas. Clearly visible vegetation boundaries should also appear since they are useful for map reading.
The map must show the features which are obvious on the ground and which are of value from the point of view of map reading. An attempt must be made when surveying to maintain the clarity and legibility of the map, i.e. the minimum dimensions designed for normal sight must not be forgotten when choosing the degree of generalization.
The map must contain magnetic north lines and may additionally contain some place names and peripheral text to help the competitor to orientate the map to north. This text should be written from west to east. Text within the map should be placed to avoid obscuring important features and the style of lettering should be simple.
The sides of the map should be parallel to the magnetic north lines. Arrowheads may be used to show magnetic north.
