2.3 Accuracy

The general rule should be that competitors shall not perceive any inaccuracy in the map. The accuracy of the map as a whole depends upon the accuracy of measurement (position, height and shape) and the accuracy of drawing. Accuracy of position on an orienteering map must be consistent with that obtained by compass and pacing. A feature must be positioned with sufficient accuracy to ensure that a competitor using compass and pacing will perceive no discrepancy between map and ground. In general if the distance between neighbouring features deviates less than 5% this will satisfy accuracy requirements.
Absolute height accuracy is of little significance on an orienteering map. On the other hand, it is important that the map shows as correctly as possible the relative height difference between neighbouring features.
Accurate representation of shape is of great importance for the orienteer, because a correct, detailed and sometimes exaggerated picture of the land form is an essential precondition for map reading. However, the inclusion of a lot of small detail must not disguise the overall shapes. Drawing accuracy is of primary importance to any map user because it is closely connected with the reliability of the final map.
Absolute accuracy is important if an orienteering map is to be used with a positioning system or together with geographical data sets from other sources. In such cases it must also be possible to transform the map to a well known geographical reference system.

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