Suunnistustehtäviä

Suunnistustehtäviä are a crucial element of the sport of orienteering. They are the control points marked on a special orienteering map, which a competitor must visit in a specific order. Each control point is marked by a unique symbol on the map and by a physical marker on the ground, typically a red and white flag. At the control point, participants record their visit using a control card, either by punching a hole in a paper card or by using an electronic system. The main challenge of orienteering is not just physical fitness but also the ability to read the map and navigate the terrain effectively between these control points.

The design of a control point, or "suunnistustehtävä," involves careful consideration by the course setter. It must be located at a distinct terrain feature that is clearly identifiable on the map, such as a large rock, a marsh, a stream junction, or a depression. The difficulty of reaching a control point can vary greatly depending on its location and the terrain between it and the previous control. Some control points might be easily accessible, while others require navigating through dense forest, over hills, or across water obstacles. The sequence of control points forms the competition course, and the winner is the one who completes the course in the shortest time. Successfully navigating these tasks requires a combination of map reading skills, compass use, route choice, and physical endurance.