Suunnistustaulu

Suunnistustaulu is a term used in Finnish orienteering to describe a display board that is used to illustrate orienteering courses, map symbols, and basic rules of the sport. The board typically presents a simplified map of a terrain area with a set of control points marked on it, accompanied by a legend and sometimes brief instructions. It serves as a visual aid for demonstrations, training sessions, and pre-event briefings.

The primary purpose of a suunnistustaulu is to teach and reinforce orienteering skills. It is used to explain how to read a map, interpret symbols, plan routes, and understand control descriptions. It is also used to show example courses and common decision points, helping beginners, youth participants, and casual spectators grasp the basics before starting a real course.

Design and contents can vary, but a typical suunnistustaulu includes a printed or laminated map, a legend of map symbols, marked control points, and a suggested or sample route. The board may be mounted on a stand or wall, and can be as small as a few square meters for classroom use or larger for event demonstrations. Materials are commonly durable and weather-resistant when used outdoors.

Usage and audience span clubs, schools, event organizers, and training centers. It is especially common in Finland, where the term originates, and it complements practical course participation by providing a clear, static reference. While similar tools exist in other countries, the suunnistustaulu remains a distinctive part of Finnish orienteering pedagogy.