orientointia

Orienteering is a competitive navigation sport. Participants use a detailed map and a compass to find a series of control points. The objective is to visit all control points in a predetermined order in the shortest possible time. The sport can be practiced on foot, by bicycle, or even on skis, with foot orienteering being the most common discipline.

The maps used in orienteering are highly specialized, showing features such as contours, vegetation types, water bodies, and man-made structures. The compass is essential for maintaining direction, especially when navigating through dense terrain or in low visibility conditions. Competitors are responsible for planning their own routes between control points, making strategic decisions based on the terrain, map features, and their own physical and navigational abilities.

Orienteering events are organized by national and international federations. They cater to a wide range of ages and skill levels, from beginners to elite athletes. Courses are typically designed to test both physical fitness and navigational prowess. Control points are marked by a distinctive orange and white flag, and participants record their visit using a punch card or an electronic timing system. The sport promotes self-reliance, problem-solving, and a connection with nature.