Resources for orienteers

Map Symbols

• Map Symbols (PDF 1.79 MB) from IOF
• Map Symbols For Sprint Orienteering Maps (PDF 578 KB)
• Control Description Symbols (PDF 324 KB) from IOF.

Test what you know!

• Orienteering Map Skills Test by Dennis Toms
• International Control Descriptions also by Dennis Toms

Introduction to orienteering

• What is Orienteering? - classic overview of the sport
• Orienteering for beginners an entertainingly useful YouTube introduction to the sport (starring Edward; filmed in Sussex by his brother Alex) [5:13]
• A map, sneakers, and quick wits nice feature story on orienteering from New England
• Orienteering for the Young. Helpful for people of all ages
• Orienteering Glossary
• An Adventure Racer at an Orienteering Event Suggestions for Adventure Racers trying orienteering
• How to Use a Compass (baseplate compass)
• short write up by Karla Huebner (a bit dated - most maps are now pre-printed)
• Working With Maps (USGS) - map instruction for grades K-12
• for grins, read this mathematics paper on "The Orienteering Problem"

Youth Programs

• Boy Scout Orienteering Merit Badge
• Vulcan Orienteering Club, from Birmingham, Alabama, has an Orienteering Workbook to assist Scouts working on the Orienteering Merit Badge (it appears to refer to an older version of the requirements)